First Breath

Breathe light into the dark winter nights this January with First Breath – a mesmerising light installation celebrating new life in Greater Manchester.

First Breath is a celebration of new life across Greater Manchester. From 1 to 29 January 2023, powerful beams of light will shoot up high above the city skyline and slowly pulse to represent the moment that a baby takes its first gasp of air.

This extraordinary installation is curated and designed by world-renowned visual artist Luke Jerram, to connect the ground to the sky in a visual representation of new life.

It’ll sit on the construction grounds of the new Factory International building with beams of light visible from far and wide, welcoming the new venue to the city too. But you don’t just have to admire First Breath from afar, experience the lights up close. Why not wrap up warm and wander through the beams of light, capturing your own images and memories?

First Breath’s open to anyone who wants to experience some extra light in their lives this winter and welcome in a new year and new life. Think of it like a broadcast – a message of hope for the future, reminding us of new possibilities. It’s going to be a good year for Greater Manchester!

And best of all? It’s free to attend. Open each evening until 10pm (except Mondays 9, 16 and 23 January). Come down after 5pm to get the full effect of the lights under darkness. You can find the main entrance to the First Breath site on Water Street at the bottom of Liverpool Road.

Free to attend - no booking is required.