An after-dark ‘guerilla attack’ took place on some of Douglas’s most prominent buildings on Wednesday, March 4 2009.

Jubilee Buildings, the sunken gardens on Douglas promenade, the lifting bridge, hydraulic tower and the Sea Terminal were selected for a guerilla lighting event organised by the Douglas Development Partnership and Luminaires, co-ordinated by the Professional Lighting Designers Association (PLDA) in association with Manchester-based design practice BDP.

The event, only the ninth of its kind in the world, attracted representatives from the Douglas Development Partnership, Douglas Borough Council, the Department of Local Government and the Environment, the Department of Transport, the Department of Tourism and Leisure, Manx Electricity Authority, Manx National Heritage, Ashley Pettit Architects and Michael Chapman Associates, who were divided into guerilla teams and supplied with 5million candlepower torches to create temporary lighting installations at each site under the direction of a team leader. White light was used first then coloured filters introduced to create the most dramatic effects. Each lit building was photographed before the torches were switched off and the guerilla team moved on to the next location.

Development manager Chris Pycroft said: ‘The Island’s first guerilla lighting event was very successful. The objective was to demonstrate to interested parties such as property owners and architects the impact architectural lighting can have on a building’s key features. Architectural lighting is much more than simply making buildings look spectacular at night; its creative use can help improve the environment by making towns safer, more agreeable places. Architectural lighting also brings material benefits as studies have shown that creating more pleasant surroundings attracts more people and encourages them to stay longer, thereby generating a bigger spend.’

PLDA’s Sharon Stammers added: ‘Architectural lighting can serve as an “economic magnet”, contribute towards promoting a town’s architectural heritage and help create a sense of civic pride.’

Luminaires’ Ralph Peake said: ‘Response from all those who saw the buildings lit was very positive. The photos shown at the debrief after the event demonstrated just how good Douglas can look in the evening.’