Deep Time light show launches Capital's festival

The spectacular opening event saw the western facade of Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock turned into a vast canvas inspired by 350 million years of Edinburgh’s history.

People from across the world stood in the Castle’s shadows and watched in awe as projections, such as the simulation of tumbling rocks, illuminated the walls to the sound of Mogwai – a Glasgow indie-rock band – who provided inspiration for Leo Warner, director of 59 Productions, the multi-award winning company of artists who combine technology and art to tell a story.

He said: “Edinburgh has one of the most distinctive topographies in the world and Deep Time is a celebration of the city and its distinctive architecture: the bedrock on which it is built, and the people who have made and continue to make the city the vibrant cultural and intellectual hub it is today. This event has pushed our team beyond where we went with previous projects in Edinburgh.”

A spattering of rain failed to dampen the spirits of an estimated 27,000 ticket-holders who took to the streets to watch the 18 minute Deep Time event, using 42 projections which wound audiences through a geological and intellectual celebration of the landscape and people of the city.

The final projection – which read ‘welcome world’ in huge letters spanning the castle wall – was met with raputurous applause.