IT promises to be a ground-breaking light and sound extravaganza – where Hampshire residents become the stars of the show.

Southampton’s Guildhall Square is set to come alive when a dazzling art display brightens up the dark nights this weekend.

For tonight until Sunday, the square will become the venue for a state-of-the-art interactive light and sound installation.

And rather than watching performers or artists take the lead, it will be the people of Southampton themselves who will be invited to play the starring roles in the performances.

The Strange Attractors (The Anatomy of Dr Tulp) has been organised by the city’s John Hansard Gallery’s Art as part of the Art at the Heart autumn programme, which involves a number of the city’s leading art groups.

It will use light and sound to completely transform Guildhall Square into an interactive piece of art.

A lone figure will be projected on to the centre of the square, and members of the public will be invited to interact to create an ever-changing display of moving light.

The whole display will be played out to specially-composed music by composer Peter Broderick, while each night of the event will feature dance performances by Art Asia, including dancer Anusha Subramanyam.

Dancers from the Southampton-based organisation will combine British sign language with hand signals from the ancient Indian Bharatanatyam form of dance.

  • The performances will take place from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and are free for anyone to take part in or simply watch.