Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, the award-winning Lights on Stratford annual winter festival will once again transform Stratford’s heritage downtown core and park system with luminous art and interactive light installations.

The Lights on Stratford 2022/23 theme is REKINDLE – “relight (a fire) or revive (something that has been lost).” As we emerge from another year of having to stay home, missing our friends, family and favourite places, the importance of rekindling a sense of joy, wonder and community has never been greater.

Market Square will be brought to life with internationally renowned artist Jen Lewin’s The Pool – a giant field of concentric circles that swirl with light when activated by touch. Inspired by Australian tidal pools, Lewin developed mesh network technology and code to bring this experience around the world. Visitors can activate any of the 100 large circular pads that respond to walking, dancing, jumping, or playing – encouraging participation in ever-changing composition.