Amos 'Lights Up' Greenbelt Festival

Gaza Lighthouse at Greenbelt Festival

Shining at the heart of Greenbelt Festival's Glade Arena this year ( 22nd - 24th August) will stand a striking symbol of resistance and resilience - a scale replica of the Gaza Lighthouse.

The original tower was built from the rubble left by Israel's 2012 assault on Gaza. Designed and constructed by acclaimed Gazan artist Shareef Sarhan, it stood 15 metres tall on the breakwater of Gaza's once-thriving fishing harbour - a defiant act of creativity and beauty amid devastation. It became a powerful piece of resistance art and a beacon of hope to all who saw it.

A symbol of possibility and defiance, the iconic Lighthouse was destroyed in the aftermath of the 7th October 2023 attacks - like so much of Gaza, obliterated in the relentless bombardment that followed.

"To take that which has been destroyed and turn it into a literal 'beacon' of hope is very powerful." Shareef Sarhan.

Exiled in Paris and unable to return home, Shareef responded in the only way he knew: by rebuilding. The result is a work of grief, memory and fierce creative resistance.

At the top of the Lighthouse is a light which will be switched on at the start of the festival and turned off at the end. In between, it will stand - bright and unblinking - a call to remember, to mourn, to stand in solidarity, and to act for justice, freedom and dignity for all Palestinians.

Shareef Sarhan's Gaza Lighthouse (above) was more than an installation - it was a love letter to Gaza, built from rubble as a symbol of resilience and a shining declaration... we are still here.

Lunch at the Lighthouse
The Glade Arena
Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Join the Amos team each day from 1.15 to 2.15pm for a relaxed lunchtime gathering at the Lighthouse. Pull up a chair, unwrap your sandwich and settle in for an informal conversation with Amos Trust staff.

They'll be sharing stories from Palestine, reflecting on the work of our partners and answering any questions you might have. Come when you can. Stay as long as you like (rugs provided).

Plus...

What Next for Palestinian Activism?
Friday, 11-12pm at the Pagoda

In conversation with Gazan-born Palestinian journalist and human rights advocate, Yara Eid (@eid_yara), co-founder of We Are Not Numbers and Amos trustee, Ahmed Alnaouq (@ahmed_alnaouq) and Muhanad Al Qaisy, Director of the Joint Advocacy Initiative (@jaipalestine) based in East Jerusalem.

Vandal Factory podcast
Saturday, 2-3pm at the Rebel Rouser
Featuring a live podcast recording with Palestinian poets Dareen Tatour (@dareen.tatour) and Mohammed Mousa (@gazapoets).

Najwan Darwish
Saturday, 6-6.45pm at the Caravan of Love
Internationally renowned Palestinian poet Najwan Darwish (@najwan_darwish), whose work includes the award-winning collections 'Nothing More To Loose' and 'Exhausted On The Cross'.

Palestinian Poets from the Fringe
Sunday, 11.30am-12,30pm at the Canopy
With Dareen Tatour, Mohammed Mousa and Najwan Darwish - all direct from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Book tickets here: www.greenbelt.org.uk/