Awakening Bangkok returns to light up the old town

Awakening Bangkok returns to light up the old town

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Awakening Bangkok returns to light up the old town
Photo courtesy of Timeout Bangkok

Following the success of its first edition last year, Awakening Bangkok is back to once again light up the historic neighbourhood of Charoen Krung from Nov 15 until 24.

A collaboration between Time Out Bangkok, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) and Lhong 1919, Awakening Bangkok will illuminate the old community of Charoen Krung in Bang Rak district, one of Bangkok's most compelling tourist destinations, full of historic and cultural charm.

Visitors can learn about the history of Charoen Krung, the first road built during the reign of King Rama IV. The area was home to a vibrant community of sea merchants from the likes of China, Portugal, India, France along the Chao Phraya River, making it a true melting pot of cultures.

The 10-day festival of light and mixed-media wonders returns to the same venues as its inaugural event, taking in such iconic landmarks as the Grand Postal Building, the former Thai Marine Police lodgings, Haroon Mosque community, Warehouse 30 and Prince Theatre Heritage Stay Hotel.

photos courtesy of Timeout Bangkok

This year, the festival has also been expanded to include Si Phraya Pier, Rong Kueak Shrine, Talad Noi community and Lhong 1919. It is expected that this year's edition will attract around 100,000 visitors from Thailand and abroad.

Awakening Bangkok aims to promote the Thai artistic community by offering a platform for both aspiring and established artists, including art students of various disciplines, to showcase their works to the public and spark an exchange of ideas.

Inspired by the topography and history of the community, contributing artists have created breathtaking light installations that bring the old neighbourhood to life with the aid of cutting-edge techniques and technologies.

Highlights include the reflective mixed-media installations by creative collective COTH Studio that will take over both the handsome riverside wooden structure of Baan Rim Naam, influenced by the sun setting on the river, and Conscious + Kimbab, with a moving-light gate that reflects on the transition of time and cultures in Charoen Krung.

The festival will also feature the works of young artists from Chulalongkorn, Silpakorn and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang.


The festival runs daily from 6pm to midnight. Admission is free. Find out more at timeout.com/bangkok/th/things-to-do/awakening-bangkok.

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