![\"Roman](\"http:\/\/www.heritageandhistory.com\/contents1a\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/03\/Roman-archer.jpg\" "\\"Roman-archer\\"")
<\/a>The volunteer Illuminators included hundreds of people from the communities around Hadrian\u2019s Wall, as well as enthusiasts from across the country, including places like London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester, and even a number of people from overseas.<\/p>\n
Anniversary<\/strong><\/p>\n Some of the Illuminators were marking key moments in their own lives such as birthdays and anniversaries.<\/p>\n Carol Bell, Head of Culture and Major Events for culture10<\/a> at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said:<\/p>\n \u201cThe development of this project has been an incredible journey that could not have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of so many partners. It is a fitting tribute to our unique landscape, and a celebration of its history.\u201d<\/p>\n The Ignition event for Illuminating Hadrian\u2019s Wall<\/a> started at Segedunum Roman Fort<\/a> at Wallsend in the North East of England at 5.15pm with a performance by Berlin based Theatre Anu.<\/p>\n Angels appeared around the ruins of the fort to tell the story of \u2018The Winged Boy<\/a>\u2019 as the skies began to dim.\u00a0 The first of the lights were illuminated half an hour later.<\/p>\n Procession<\/strong><\/p>\n The line of light then began its journey westwards.<\/p>\n Along the way it passed through the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle, and some of England\u2019s most beautiful countryside, from rolling fields to rugged moorland.<\/p>\n In Carlisle thousands of people took part in a torchlight procession, leaving the city centre at about 6pm to meet the line of light as it passed through Bitts Park.<\/p>\n The final gas beacon was lit at Bowness-on-Solway<\/a> on the Cumbrian coast at about 6.50pm and the full line of light remained illuminated until about 7.15pm.<\/p>\n Tourism week<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s the first time that the full length of Hadrian\u2019s Wall from Wallsend in the North East to Bowness-on-Solway in the North West has been illuminated in more than 1,600 years.<\/p>\n Illuminating Hadrian\u2019s Wall was an ambitious project led by Hadrian\u2019s Wall Heritage Ltd<\/a> which forms part of the world-class programme of festivals and events developed by the culture10 team based at Newcastle Gateshead Initiative and the Lakes Alive programme in Carlisle presented by Kendal Arts International and Manchester International Arts.<\/p>\n Illuminating Hadrian\u2019s Wall is also a flagship event of British Tourism Week 2010.<\/p>\n To get more information about the event visit www.illuminatinghadrianswall.com<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>