Creating a Fairground Wonderland: The Power of Lights in Transforming Spaces

Every year, a magical event takes place in the small town of Fairgrounds. Known as the "Magix of Lights Fairgrounds," this event is a spectacle like no other. Visitors from all over the region gather to witness this enchanting display of lights and colors. The fairgrounds themselves are transformed into a mystical wonderland, with vibrant lights illuminating every corner. It's as if the entire place has come alive with shimmering colors and mesmerizing patterns. The magical atmosphere envelops everyone, creating a sense of awe and wonder.

In “Avalanche of Love” the various meldings of genre unfold as these warming waves of jittery rock and mind-warping sonics. Against the buoyant warble of distorted guitars and the off-kilter percussion that drifts in and out of the foreground, the song is both a reminder of WITCH’s return to form as it is the reintroduction of their Zamrock sensibilities to a new generation. It’s to this jumble of electrifying riffs and limb-shaking bass that Sampa the Great lends her lambent vocals, which meander alongside the song’s jaunty rhythms and Jagari’s sonorous bellows.

The song also comes with a music video directed by Gio Arlotta and Tim Spreng that follows the band and Sampa the Great as they go from performing the song in the streets dancing with different people who come along to their studio and the big stage. It s to this jumble of electrifying riffs and limb-shaking bass that Sampa the Great lends her lambent vocals, which meander alongside the song s jaunty rhythms and Jagari s sonorous bellows.

The magical atmosphere envelops everyone, creating a sense of awe and wonder. As visitors walk through the fairgrounds, they are welcomed by stunning light installations at every turn. Giant statues adorned with colorful lights tower over the crowds, captivating all who gaze upon them.

Witch Announce Tour and First New Album in 39 Years, Share New Song Featuring Sampa the Great: Listen

Witch, the Zambian garage and psych rock band who released music in the 1970s and ’80s, have announced their first new album in 39 years: Zango is out June 2 via Desert Daze Sound. Below, check out the video for the new song “Avalanche of Love,” featuring Sampa the Great.

“Zango means ‘meeting place,’” the band wrote in a statement. “Every village [in Zambia] will have this central place, where villagers meet to prepare for work, where youngsters go to learn, where the young ones learn from the elder folks, and where the visitors come and converge. It’s an institution, a place where people are welcomed, and where people come for research. It speaks to our band and its various backgrounds and countries. We are at our own meeting point with our music.”

After a reissue campaign was launched in 2011, Witch returned with live shows. Their journey was documented by filmmaker Gio Arlotta in 2019’s Witch: We Intend to Cause Havoc.

Emmanuel “Jagari” Chanda and Patrick Mwondela are joined by a lineup featuring Jacco Gardner, Nico Mauskoviç, Stefan Lilov, and JJ Whitefield. Find Witch’s upcoming tour dates below.

01 By the Time You Realize
02 Waile
03 Nshingilile [ft. Keith Kabwe]
04 Streets of Lusaka
05 Unimvwesha Shuga [ft. Hanna Tembo and Theresa Ng’ambi]
06 Avalanche of Love [ft. Sampa the Great]
07 Malango [ft. Hanna Tembo and Theresa Ng’ambi]
08 Stop the Rot
09 These Eyes of Mine
10 Message From Witch

06-03 Chicago, IL - The Empty Bottle **
06-04 Columbus, OH - Natalie’s **
06-06 Troy, NY - No Fun **
06-07 New Haven, CT - Space Ballroom **
06-09 Portland, ME - Portland House of Music **
06-10 Burlington, VT - Burlington Discover Jazz Festival
06-11 Ardmore, PA - Ardmore Music Hall **
06-13 Charleston, SC - Pour House **
06-15 Atlanta, GA - Terminal West **
06-16 Knoxville, TN - Barley’s **
06-17 Louisville, KY - Whirling Tiger **
06-18 Indianapolis, IN - Square Cat Vinyl **
06-20 Cincinnati, OH - Woodward Theater **
06-22 Baltimore, MD - The Lyric ^
06-23 Washington, D.C. - Black Cat **
06-24 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn, Bowl **
08-04 Seattle, WA - Tractor Tavern
08-05 Portland, OR - Pickathon
08-06 Portland, OR - Pickathon
08-08 Sacramento, CA - Harlows >
08-09 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall >*
08-11 San Jose, CA - San Jose Jazz Summer Fest >
08-12 Los Angeles, CA - The Regent *
08-14 San Diego, CA - Music Box >*
08-15 Phoenix, AZ - Rebel Lounge !
08-16 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress !
08-18 Austin, TX - Far Out Lounge !
08-19 Dallas, TX - Deep Ellum Art Co !
08-20 Oklahoma City, OK - Beer City Music Hall !
08-22 Santa Fe, NM - Meow Wolf !
08-23 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater !

** w/ Death Valley Girls and Abraxas
^ w/ Les Claypool's Fearless Flying Frog Brigade
> w/ Sonny & the Sunsets
! w/ Mauskovic Dance Band
* w/ Al Lover’s World Dance Party

All products featured on Pitchfork are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Get Hot Links

By Evan Minsker

By Matthew Strauss

By Allison Hussey

By Hattie Lindert

By Matthew Strauss

By Matthew Ismael Ruiz

By Evan Minsker

By Hattie Lindert

© 2023 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. Pitchfork may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices

After a reissue campaign was launched in 2011, Witch returned with live shows. Their journey was documented by filmmaker Gio Arlotta in 2019’s Witch: We Intend to Cause Havoc.

Some displays create intricate patterns that dance across the night sky, while others form mesmerizing holographic illusions. The fairgrounds are also home to various interactive light installations that engage visitors in a unique way. One installation allows visitors to control the colors and patterns of a large-scale light sculpture through their movements, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. Another installation invites visitors to step into a room filled with mirrors and lights, creating an illusion of infinite reflections. Throughout the fairgrounds, live performances take place on stages bathed in vibrant lights. Dancers, acrobats, and musicians come together to create a magical spectacle that complements the visual feast of lights. Food stalls and vendors dot the fairgrounds, offering an array of delicious treats and magical delights. Glowing cotton candy, colorful cocktails, and light-infused desserts are just a few of the enticing options available. The fairgrounds become a place where all senses are indulged, as visitors immerse themselves in the magic of lights. As the night progresses, the fairgrounds become even more enchanting. The lights take on a new life, casting surreal shadows and illuminating hidden corners. The atmosphere becomes charged with anticipation and excitement, as visitors eagerly explore every nook and cranny, expecting to stumble upon new wonders. The Magix of Lights Fairgrounds is a testament to the power of lights and their ability to create a magical experience. It brings people together, making them believe in the extraordinary and reminding them of the beauty that lies in the simplest of things. Visitors leave the fairgrounds with hearts full of joy and minds filled with memories of a truly unique experience. The Magix of Lights Fairgrounds leaves a lasting impression, reminding us all of the wonders that can be found when we open our eyes to the magic of lights..

Reviews for "From Twinkling Stars to Electric Wonders: The Enduring Allure of Fairground Lights"

1. Emily - 1 out of 5 stars - "Magix of Lights Beres Fairgrounds was a huge disappointment for me. The entrance fee was exorbitant, and once inside, I found that the displays were underwhelming and poorly maintained. The lights were dim in some areas, and many of the exhibits were not working properly. The organization of the event was also chaotic, with long lines and a lack of staff to guide visitors. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time and money on this event and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a magical light experience."

2. John - 2 out of 5 stars - "I had high expectations for Magix of Lights Beres Fairgrounds, but sadly, it fell short. The ticket prices were steep, and I expected a grand spectacle. However, most of the light displays were repetitive and lacked creativity. Additionally, the crowd management was poor, with long waits and overcrowded areas. I was hoping for a magical experience, but I left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed."

3. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - "Magix of Lights Beres Fairgrounds had potential, but it failed to meet my expectations. The light displays were average at best, and there were limited interactive elements to engage visitors. The ticket prices felt overpriced for what was offered, and the event felt like it lacked proper organization. I left feeling underwhelmed and regretful of spending my money on this event."

4. Michael - 1 out of 5 stars - "My experience at Magix of Lights Beres Fairgrounds was an utter disappointment. The light displays were poorly executed, with flickering bulbs and broken animations. The event lacked a cohesive theme and felt disjointed. Additionally, the lack of directional signs made it difficult to navigate the fairgrounds. Save your money and find a better, more well-organized light show to attend."

Touring the World of Fairground Lights: From London to Tokyo