Several UNESCO heritage sites within the UK and Ireland were lit up by the Night of Heritage Light. (Night of Heritage Light/LEDinside)

On the evening of October 1st, The Night of Heritage Light will illuminate several UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the UK and Ireland, in acknowledgement of the UNESCO International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies 2015 (IYL 2015). With this event, the Society of Light and Lighting will celebrate the skills of its members and promote UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Society's members will be illuminating between ten and twelve UNESCO World Heritage Sites, creating a "light-map" across the United Kingdom & Ireland and bringing history to light!

A demonstration of Blaenavon Ironworks to be lit up by individual LED lights with each light taged with names of people in the time when Blaenavon Ironworks were in operation. (Photo Courtesy of Ben Porter)

A demonstration of the illuminated tower of London. (Photo Courtesy of Iain Ruxton and Colin Ball)

Design teams will be working with conservation teams at each of the sites, giving them the rare opportunity to showcase historical and cultural significance. The sites will either be lit for the first time or the existing lighting will be supplemented, ensuring that the lighting schemes are appropriate for each unique site. The idea is for each lighting installation to be completed for sunset and photographed. The photographs will then be displayed following the event.