NVA Speed of Light - 17th August 2012

In recent years the International Festivals brochure has included little to interest me. However, the moment I read about this concept I was tempted but I didn't book up until we arrived in Edinburgh and realised this was arguably the event of this year's festival.

Despite coming to 14 festivals over 26 years I have never yet climbed Arthur's Seat and so we chose to end this week's madness up this peak over-looking Scotland's capital. Naturally we took a chance on the weather and despite torrential rain the night before we picked a gloroius night to start our ascent.

We were warned that some parts would be strenuous and although I thought this was over-cautious Health and Safety speak, they were right. But armed with our light-sticks we headed ever upwards leaving the noisy chaos of a Friday festival night far beneath us.

This piece is several shows for the price of one. Firstly, it is an impressive work-out and after a week of indulgence ( including eating our weight in Indian food and downing a couple of bottles of wine just beforehand ) we felt we needed to. Secondly, with dusk falling the landscape was glorious and as we rose further the views of Edinburgh and beyond were spectacular.

Then there was the artisitic element of this show. The light stick was kept alight by the energy provided by previous walkers and runners and the flickering element at the top was generated by your own movements. Similarly, each stick was primed to release its own noise relating to your particular walking style and the resonances you created.

All this still isn't enough. As you walk along trying not to slip or slide off the path your eyes are constantly distracted by runners moving along the countryside wearing their own body lights. Whether you think they are ghostly figures, occasionally noisy as they cheer along, mad joggers or magical representations of the outdoor life etc you can make up your own mind.

Ulitmately, though this is a totally unique event especially as it was designed purely for Arthur's Seat as part of the 2012 Olympiad. I gather there are discussions with Rio De Janiero to adapt this spectacular for the 2016 Olympics. Let's hope they succeed.

For us, this was the perfect end to another astonishing festival.

Thanks to all concerned especially the group leader who always appeared just when I was about to experience problems and ensured I returned safely. Always a bonus at the end of a hectic week.