For over 200 years, the RNLI has played a crucial role in saving lives at sea, with more than 146,000 rescues. thanks to the dedication of the RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crews. To celebrate the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary, we are thrilled to welcome the breathtaking Salcombe Field of Light, an extraordinary art installation featuring 20,000 illuminated stems created by renowned artist Bruce Munro.

This must-see experience runs from 5th October 2024 to 10th January 2025, with a spectacular switch-on event on 5th October at 6:24 pm. We invite you to join us here in Salcombe to celebrate this unique and stunning tribute.

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What is the Salcombe Field of Light?

The installation will transform three fields of East Portlemouth overlooking Salcombe into a glowing display of 20,000 illuminated stems, lighting up the landscape from dusk until 10 pm every night.  Bruce Munro, who grew up in Salcombe and has a strong connection to both the area and the RNLI, designed this captivating display to honor the lifeboat service's long-standing legacy.

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Who is Bruce  Munro? 

Bruce Munro is a British artist known for creating large, immersive light installations, often using thousands of components. After earning a Fine Arts degree in 1982, he moved to Sydney, where Australia's light and landscape inspired him. Over 40 years, he's drawn ideas from his sketchbooks, influenced by language, literature, science, and music. Munro has a strong connection to Salcombe, where he once worked and grew close to the RNLI lifeboat crew. This installation is a  his gratitude to them, aiming to inspire and highlight the beauty and mystery of the landscape.

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​When Can You Experience the Field of Light?

The installation will be open to visitors daily from 5th October 2024 until 10th January 2025, with the switch-on ceremony happening on 5th October. To mark this special occasion, Fore Street will be pedestrianised for the evening, with food and drink stalls lining the streets to add to the festivities.

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Best Spots to View the Salcombe Field of Light

The beauty of this installation is that it can be seen from various viewpoints around Salcombe, including Snapes Point, Cliff House Gardens, Cliff Road, Salcombe Yacht Club, Whitestrand, Batson, and many more. When planning your stay in one of our holiday cottages or luxury homes, be sure to ask our team about the views from your property—many offer prime vantage points for this stunning display.

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What Else is Happening?

The opening weekend coincides with Salcombe Live, the town’s lively music festival running from Friday 4th to Sunday 7th October 2024. Enjoy free performances and ticketed events at food and drink venues throughout Salcombe, making it a weekend packed with fun and entertainment.

Just a short drive away, The Velarde Gallery in Kingsbridge will host an exhibition of Bruce Munro’s works from 26th October to 28th December. 

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Can I purchase / sponsor a light? 

There are different levels of sponsorship, you can become a Glow Supporter where you can sponsor one light and dedicate this light to someone special, your dedication on the dedications page on this website for friends and family to read (if you wish).  If you would like to donate you can do so here .  As the Salcombe Field of Light has been donated completely free of charge your donation does not purchase a light but goes to the RNLI to continue Saving Lives at Sea.

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Plan Your Stay

Check out our top picks for luxury holiday homes in Salcombe to book during your visit to Salcombe. Don’t miss this incredible experience—the Salcombe Field of Light promises to be a highlight of the year!

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