<i>Night Lights on South Broad</i> - Phillyist: News, events, music, film, and everything else cool about Philadelphia

Wednesday's event on South Broad Street was as much a six-block-long performance as it was a lighting display. Even before the brief speeches by three of the event's organizers, the Avenue of the Arts was a circus of performers on stilts or in costume. Afterwards, the street became even more active as five bands started playing and the crowds lined up to purchase food from the outdoor stands set up by nearby restaurants.

Terra Hall, shown above, was the most spectacularly lit and will remain this way permanently.

Joy Unlimited Gospel Choir and Terra Hall

Anyone who attended will remember this guy with a gorilla on his back.

Illuminated Merriam Theater and other parts of South Broad

More photos of the speakers, performers, and other illuminated buildings in the continuation.

Terra Hall

University of the Arts President Sean Buffington spoke last. Other speakers Meryl Levitz, President of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation, and Paul Levy, President of the Center City District, stand to the right. The man in the flamboyant costume was unfairly muzzled.