Blog: Luminarium in Photos
Photography by Ilyas Ayub
Across four days in late September 2026, thousands of Newham residents joined the Culture Within Newham team in Central Park to experience a Luminarium created by Architects of Air as part of the Connexus Tour.
Explore some of the images captured by Ilyas Ayub in the gallery above.
Newham Libraries VR Experience: ‘Threads of Home’
Alongside Luminarium, Newham Libraries brought digital storytelling to Central Park through the Threads of Home VR Experience. Throughout the afternoon, people of all ages explored virtual reality (VR), often for the first time, guided by the knowledgeable Newham Libraries team.
Featuring narration by Newham writer Sharmila Chauhan and visuals inspired by workshops led by artist Isher Dhiman, ‘Threads of Home’ celebrates family traditions, shared experiences and the connections that shape our sense of belonging across generations.
This powerful VR film was created by Newham Libraries in partnership with London College of Fashion (UAL) and The Space in collaboration with Newham’s South Asian communities.
Newham Music: Family Steps Music Session
Family Steps is a mixed-age music session for children under 5 and their adults, offering playful opportunities for everyone to explore instruments and move their bodies, and to enjoy songs, rhymes and stories together. Facilitators from award-winning local organisation Newham Music ran sessions through the afternoon, offering musical fun for all the family.