We have created this list of Frequently Asked Questions to hopefully answer any queries you might have. However, if you cannot find the answer below then please contact community@marketplacearts.org.uk and a member of the team will be happy to help.
What we count as ‘surrounding villages’
Villages within 7 miles of Newmarket are welcome to book tickets at the same time as Newmarket residents. These include: Ashley, Bottisham, Burwell, Brinkley, Broad Green, Burrough Green, Carlton, Cheveley, Chippenham, Dalham, Denham, Dullingham, Ditton Green, East Green, Exning, Fordham, Freckenham, Gazeley, Great Bradley, Great Wilbraham, Higham, Kentford, Kennett, Landwade, Lode, Lidgate, Little Ditton, Little Wilbraham, Moulton, Ousden, Reach, Red Lodge, Saxon Street, Soham, Snailwell, Six Mile Bottom, Stetchworth, Swaffham Prior, Swaffham Beck, Upend, Westley Waterless, Weston Colville, Wicken, and Woodditton.
If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, send an email to community@marketplacearts.org.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
What should I expect?
When you book a ticket for the Lumini, you are scheduled in for free access inside the sculpture. At your time slot, you are invited into the Lumini to explore a dreamlike world of egg shaped domes and radiant light. Your 20 minute visit is self-guided, so you can wander at your own pace, soak up the colours and enjoy the moment. We invite you to use headphones from our Listening Station to experience 2 different audio journeys while inside the Lumini: a calming guided meditation and an oral history storytelling project that shares voices from the local community. Outside the Lumini, the Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with free drop-in activities, creative stations, and wellbeing spaces to explore before or after your session.
Lumini is Architects of Air’s mini-structure for community programming and artistic interventions. This bespoke design has been created to fit into The Dell in Memorial Gardens. You can find out more about Lumini here: www.architects-of-air.com/lumini . Did you know the Architect of Air’s create even larger-scale Luminaria? You can see more about these here: https://architects-of-air.com/designs/
Do I need a ticket to enter the Lumini?
Yes, everyone needs a ticket to enter the Lumini. You can book tickets online up to midnight the day before your visit, and we’re also releasing on-the-day tickets on site if any booked visitors don’t show up. We do expect a high demand for tickets and expect there to be queues, so please factor that into your visit. You do not need a ticket to enter the park, where there are free, drop in activities from Thursday to Sunday.
When should I arrive?
Lumini ticket holders must arrive at the ticket tent for The Lumini at least 10 minutes before the time indicated on the ticket. A queue should still be expected. You will be outside while waiting to enter the Lumini, so please come prepared based on the weather conditions.
If you arrive late, you will not be allowed entry and your ticket will be released to on-site visitors.
How much do tickets for Lumini cost?
Tickets are free.
Why are some tickets sold out already?
We’ve made sure to reserve a portion of tickets for local community groups such as The Diversity Hub (additional needs day service), Foley House (parent and child SEND group), and Teen Chill (AbbeyCroft Leisure youth group), so that they can experience Lumini together. These groups support people who may not have easy access to arts and cultural activities, and we’re proud to make this opportunity as inclusive and welcoming as possible.
Plenty of tickets are still available for the wider community, and we’re also releasing on-the-day tickets on site if any booked visitors don’t show up. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping make this a shared experience for everyone in our community.
What if I can’t make my time slot or want to cancel?
If you do need to change your timeslot, or cancel, please email community@marketplacearts.org.uk advance. We cannot guarantee you will be able to get the slot you want and we cannot swap tickets on the day. Do please let us know if you can’t attend – it will allow us to open this opportunity to as many people as possible.
Is there an age restriction for this event?
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (a minimum of 1 adult for up to 4 children) inside the Lumini.
How long is the experience in the Lumini?
Entry is every 30 minutes, and you are welcome to enjoy up to 20 minutes inside the sculpture. This allows you plenty of time to embrace the Lumini to its fullest, whilst keeping the queue moving and allowing as many people as possible to experience the Lumini.
What if I can’t get a ticket?
If ticket holders don’t show up, we’ll release those tickets on site during opening hours. These extra tickets won’t be available online — only in person, and on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to come by the event and see if any tickets are available. Over the course of the four days, there will be a free programme of workshops, activities, and performances across Memorial Gardens, so there’s lots to do if you can’t get a ticket.
Can I wear footwear in the Lumini?
We ask that visitors remove footwear in the reception area of the Lumini before entering. Shoes and possessions are left in the reception area at the owner’s risk.
Do babies need a ticket?
Yes – tickets are required for everyone.
Access
The Lumini is accessible for wheelchair users, but please note it will be situated on grass. There are two entrances to Memorial Gardens, both are wheelchair accessible with concrete paths.
There will be ambient music playing in the space, without a beat so as to not dictate the pace of exploration! If you would find it useful to hear this music in advance, please get in touch and we can facilitate this. Silent Disco headphones will be available on site, which you are welcome to use with no audio output, to lower the sensory stimulation if you so wish. Just hand them to a member of staff upon exiting the Lumini. If you require noise cancelling headphones, we ask you to bring these along with you.
The Lumini is situated outdoors in the park. While we aim to create a calm and focused environment, please be aware that the park is open to the public and we are expecting crowds, therefore it may be busy and there could be background noise during the activity.
Assistance Dogs
The Lumini is not intended for animals to enter. Assistance/ Service dogs may enter only if they are wearing dog booties, and they must be on a lead. Alternatively, an assistance dog may wait outside under supervision of the Lumini’s staff.
Toilets
Please note that the main public toilets on site will be closed, and instead portaloos will be available. The nearest Accessible, Changing Places toilet can be found at The Guineas Shopping Centre which is 0.4 miles, an 8 minute walk or wheel. The Guineas Shopping Centre also has a Changing Places toilet for individuals with profound and multiple disabilities. You can find out more about this provision and how to apply for a key here https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/Visitors/tourist_information/changing-places-toilet-guineas-shopping-centre-newmarket.cfm
Photos
Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please talk to a member of our team.
