‘A Light Walk’ supports the ALD’s Lumière Scheme
 and industry charity, Back Up

The team behind ‘A Light Walk’ – which will take place from September 20th – 24th – has announced details of the fundraising mission and the ways in which everyone can get involved.

A Light Walk will see Chauvet’s Sam Bowden and ALD Lumière working group Chair, Charlotte Burton, walk from The Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon to the National Theatre on London’s Southbank, a total distance of over 101 miles or 160 km which will be completed in just five days. Members of the ALD’s executive committee and other members of the Lumière Scheme working group will be joining the walk for individual days or remotely.

Departing from The Royal Shakespeare Company on day one, the walkers will complete a distance of 38.35km (24 miles). Day two starts at Bloxham and ends 30.33km (19 miles) further at Bicester. With day three, the walkers will pace the 37.26km (23 miles) to Great Missenden and on days four and five, the distances are considerably shorter, with 28.80km (18 miles) on day four taking participants to Ruislip and finally towards the southbank of the Thames a mere 27:85km (17 miles) on, where day five and the full 160 kilometre / 101-mile walk, ends.

The money is being raised to support two great causes, the ALD’s highly acclaimed Lumière Scheme in 2022, and the much-needed work of industry charity, Back up.

Charlotte Burton explains, “We are taking on this almighty test of endurance because we believe that the work achieved through the Lumière Scheme and by Backup is vital and worth the sore feet!”

The funding will assist the evolution of the Lumière scheme which for the past five years has seen continued success. The scheme creates pathways into the lighting production industry by offering real work opportunities alongside established practitioners. The ALD are committed to expanding the current ‘Design scheme’ and establishing a new ‘Production scheme’. All Lumières are paid for their work on the full six-month scheme and on the virtual scheme receive a micro-bursary.

Back up provides financial support to industry technical professionals, crew/production personnel and people working in the technical supply chain across the UK entertainment industry. In the past year, due to the devastating impact of COVID-19, a hardship fund has been established to provide limited financial assistance to those most in need.

There are several ways to get involved and raise money for these incredibly worthwhile causes. For anybody wanting to join the official walk, please let the team know before June 30th, 2021 at Lumiere@ald.org.uk.
Fundraising walkers can join the official route for its entirety or for day or two. The walk can also be undertaken remotely by completing the same distance in your local area. For those wishing to help from the comfort of an armchair, we appreciate all your support and donations can be given easily by following the QR code.