Illuminating Hadrian's Wall - a line of light from coast to coast

Hadrian's Wall

March 13th 2010 will see a line of light cross the country from coast to coast along the route of the 84 mile long Hadrian's Wall path. And the organisers are looking for volunteers to be a part of this spectacular event.

But first some background - Roman Britain is popularly thought to have ended in AD 410, when legions under the command of Constantine III (considered by some historians as a bit of a renegade) departed Northern Britain.

Although many, many aspects of Roman culture continued after this time, AD 410 is considered by many to mark a very significant point in Britain's history.

And this year - 2010 - is the 1600th anniversary of Constantine's departure.

The 'Illuminating Hadrian's Wall' event is to mark this anniversary and to highlight the immense scale and beauty of Hadrian's Wall and its surroundings.

500 individual lights will be placed at about 250 metre intervals to light up Hadrian's Wall, one of the most iconic images from Roman Britain. The lights will be located at each of the fortlets (aka milecastles) and turrets that the Romans built along the length of the wall as well as at points between each.

The line of lights will be lit at dusk in sequence starting at the Segendum Roman Fort at Wallsend in the North East and finishing at Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria.

Linda Tuttlett, chief executive of Hadrian's Wall Heritage Limited who are organising the event says,

"In partnership with local people, we wanted to do something really quite extraordinary to bring to life Britain's longest and greatest piece of heritage and celebrate the landscape of Hadrian's Wall Country."

"What could be more spectacular than a line of light that will stretch from coast to coast illuminating this stunning World Heritage Site?"

On the day, the route will be divided up into 2 mile sections or 'Cells'. Volunteer 'Illuminators', who must be over 18 years old, will be part of a Cell which will be led by a trained production lead.

Volunteers do not require any specialist skills but ideally should be outdoors enthusiasts (who will be outside for most of the day on 13th March) and be dressed in outdoor clothing and footwear. A torch would be useful but all other equipment will be provided.

The organisers plan to select the 'Illuminators' from registrations received up to and including 22nd February 2010.

For more information and to get involved.

To enjoy walks that include Hadrian's Wall.

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