Watch: Magical Northern lights Borealis display recreated at Birmingham Bullring

Birmingham’s Bullring & Grand Central is hosting a stunning immersive art-piece depicting the magic of the Northern Lights. 

Borealis will appear at the Bullring every evening throughout half term, from 9-18 February on St Martin’s Walk, lighting up the city’s skies in an experience like no other. 

Artivist Dan Acher has taken Borealis to 40 cities and across four continents, showcasing his magical masterpiece that fuses together creativity and technology. The installation is an immersive light and sound experience with a custom score by French composer Guillaume Desbois. 

The spectacle is created by shining beams of light through particle clouds to recreate the Aurora Borealis, best-known as the Northern Lights. The artwork will change day by day, hour by hour, due to variations in wind, humidity, and temperature. You can watch it here:

No two minutes will be the same as time slows down and eyes look up. Borealis brings to life the fragility of nature and the awe-inspiring phenomena that we are so lucky to experience. 

Before arriving in Birmingham Borealis’ most recent appearances include Montpellier (France) and Madrid (Spain). The installation’s nine-day residence at Bullring will be followed by Adelaide (Australia), where it will remain until the spring. 

'It's always unique'

Creator Dan Acher comments: “Borealis has been produced to shift our emotional experience of familiar urban landmarks and awaken a shared conscience, by creating something magical. Something that shouldn’t naturally be there. Variations in the atmosphere make Borealis an ever-changing installation – it’s always unique. At the end of the day, we can only set the stage for the effect to appear. Ultimately, nature holds the final say. 

“Gathering under its hypnotic dance we come together, beyond our differences, in the face of something far greater than us. As our planet’s climate breaks down, the question arises: will technology one day replace everything that nature currently provides for us?”

'A phenomenal installation'

Danielle Bozward, Marketing Manager at Bullring & Grand Central adds: “For 20 years, Bullring has proudly sat in the heart of Birmingham – a city that embraces arts, culture, and innovation in abundance. I am so excited that we are lucky enough to welcome Dan and his phenomenal installation; giving the city a chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime moment. 

”The Northern Lights are one of the world’s most famous natural wonders and this half term, shoppers, families, couples, and friends can get a taste of it right here at Bullring.” 

When can I see the Northern Lights experience at the Bullring?

Borealis is a free to attend event, running from Friday 9 until Sunday 18 February, every evening from 4pm-9pm. During its residence, car parking at Bullring will be a flat rate of £3.75 between 4.01pm-9.59pm.