East Midlands What's On

New Sound and Light experience opens at the Heights of Abraham

After almost 18 months of planning and testing, a sensational new sound and light experience has been added to the list of attractions at the Heights of Abraham this year.

Seism!c, is a new sound and light show that visitors encounter when taking a guided tour through the Masson Cavern as part of a day out at the award-winning tourist attraction.
Traditionally, the geological formation of the caverns was explained by a cavern tour guide, but now, thanks to new technology and state-of-the-art projectors, a dramatic and memorable story of key moments in Earth’s history and the formation of the Masson Cavern are being told in a whole new light.
Tours through the Masson Cavern are included in the cable car ticket price for a visit to the Heights of Abraham, which is currently open for long weekends (Fridays to Sundays) before opening daily from the 28th March to 2nd November.
Rupert Pugh (Development Director, Heights of Abraham) explains how the challenges of creating a sound and light show underground were eventually overcome: “The formation of the caverns is complex and, over time, we have tried various ways to explain how multiple geological events shaped this impressive underground world. In 2013, we experimented with an AV show in the cavern, but the technology wasn’t up to it, so the guided cavern tour continued in a traditional way.
Then, in 2023, we found new, high-powered waterproof projectors and speakers that could provide what we wanted. A plan evolved, research was undertaken, a script written and visual effects created. Our designer, along with technicians and programmers, was involved in producing the AV performance. We’re really very pleased with the final result and think our visitors will find Seism!c a memorable and dramatic addition to a day out at the Heights”.
The designers of the sound and light show realised that for projected images to work on the cavern walls, they would require very high-powered projectors. Unlike a cinema screen, the rock absorbed light and presented focusing challenges due to the irregular surfaces.  A sound and light choreographed piece was uniquely created to work within the cavern environment alongside the knowledgeable cavern tour guides.
The show takes place continuously throughout the day. For full details visit the website www.heightsofabraham.com
Special Offer for all guests who visit this month
This month anyone who visits during the long weekends (Fridays to Sundays until March 28th) will receive a free ticket to return again within 7 days.
Walk Up Weekends and other events announced for 2025
The Heights have recently revealed a number of new events and promotions for the 2025 season, including special walk-up weekends to celebrate National Walking Month in May, when visitors will join living history actors for a unique walk and talk as they make their way to the summit gardens without the aid of a cable car! Full details of this event and others can be found on the What’s On pages