THE city’s historic walls will be lit up with a spectacular light display this week.

The 2018 Festival of Light at Westquay’s Esplanade, which began on Friday night, is a celebration of the development’s first year, and organisers have promised an “array of spectacular visuals that will brightly decorate the Esplanade.”

Taking inspiration from the vast greenery and woodland across Hampshire the ‘Enchanted Forest’ theme will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the artwork, with every installation designed to complement the piece alongside it.

A dazzling maze and a multi-sensory music making machine allowing you to create your own song will turn one of Southampton’s most iconic landmarks into the backdrop for “stunning” light projections.

'Bloom', will see hundreds of light spheres change colour in audiovisual symphony and ‘Heofon’ is a maze based on triangular geometry and changing colours

Westquay General Manager, Andy Collyer, comments: "The Festival of Light 2017 was a spectacular event. This year, we wanted to create something that would be as visually striking, whilst also creating a story with the artwork, allowing visitors to completely transport themselves into the journey that the installations create. We look forward to seeing the reactions from those who visit!"

And there is the chance for visitors to show off their photography skills with a £500 voucher up for grabs for the best #LetLightInWQ themed picture.

The festival will be open for shoppers from 6 pm till 10 pm and will run until February 18.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the pictures from tonight as well as last year's.