In the heart of Aldershot’s Manor Gardens, a delicate silk poppy stood illuminated on VE Day, telling stories not often heard. Nearby, a new flame was lit — the Rushmoor Beacon, a striking steel structure that now stands as a civic landmark and a lasting tribute to the borough’s identity, military history, and shared future.
Together, The Poppies Blow installation and the beacon became more than commemorative gestures — they became acts of belonging.
Commissioned by Nutkhut and supported by Rushmoor Borough Council, The Poppies Blow is an installation inspired by the wartime poem In Flanders Fields. The artwork featured a large, glowing silk poppy.
Simmy Gupta, co- Artistic director of Nutkhut said:
“We were overwhelmed by the public’s response, people from every part of the borough came and shared their stories. It became a living space of reflection and connection — especially for those who often feel invisible in remembrance culture.”
Over 500 people engaged with the event. Many described the experience as moving, meditative, and overdue.
As night fell on VE Day, the newly constructed Rushmoor Beacon was lit in a moving ceremony that drew a crowd of residents, veterans, and civic leaders. The beacon, was welcomed as a new symbol of identity and inclusion for the borough.
Cllr Sophie Porter, Deputy Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, captured the mood:
“We are proud to be building a beacon that serves as a focal point for bringing our communities together. The Rushmoor Beacon is a fantastic initiative that embodies the values of unity, heritage, and community.”
The design of the beacon itself is rich with meaning. The Hampshire Rose reminds visitors of their place in the wider county, while the borough’s coat of arms — featuring crossed swords, the Astral Crown, and a key — reflects Aldershot and Farnborough’s close ties to the Army, their aviation history, and their technological innovation.
“Rushmoor’s identity is built on strength, service, and innovation,” said Cllr Porter. “We now have a landmark that physically reflects that history and welcomes everyone into it.”
For Nutkhut, whose practice often centres around memory, community, and shared heritage, The Poppies Blow installation was a natural fit. The illuminated poppy, with petals batiked and dyed by hand, sat at the heart of a multi-sensory space.
“It was healing,” said Kelsey a local teacher. “My children saw remembrance as something alive, not just something in textbooks. They saw that the past includes them too.”
The installation also created new pathways for participation. From local schools and youth groups to underrepresented veterans and new residents, the project actively sought to engage those often excluded from commemorative events.
The beacon and the poppy installation weren’t separate efforts, but complementary symbols. Where the poppy offered a moment of personal reflection, the beacon declared a collective intent — to remember together, publicly and proudly.
“This beacon will serve as a lasting tribute to our Armed Forces and a space for all residents to gather,” added a Council spokesperson. “Thanks to the Community Recovery Fund, it will support civic gatherings and celebrations for generations to come.”
As the crowd dispersed on VE Day, a quiet sense of solidarity remained in the air. A flower had spoken. A flame had been lit. A borough had been seen — in its fullness, complexity, and strength.
One young visitor said:
“I came to remember my great grandfather. I left having heard his voice through memory. That felt like peace.”
We’ll be hosting a seminar at the Hat Works, Luton on Friday 8th March 2024 to share programme ideas and production experiences in preparation for the season ahead.
Date: Friday 8th March 2024
Time: 10.30am
Location: Hat Works, 47 Guildford Street, Luton, LU1 2NQ
This will be an Elephant in the Room session where the forum is open and Q&A’s will be encouraged.
DesiFest is one of our newest partners and the formidable team has embraced the festival scene.
Hope to see you in Luton!
I stumbled across this magical event whilst walking my dog – the area needs it, people come together and celebrate, what more could you want!Andrea – local resident and audience member
I loved the lantern making workshops, I leant something new and I reconnected with my heritage. To create some craft that was sustainable and eco friendly using this special technique made it all the more special Anousha – participant
“We are all connected, we all share the same hopes, fears and dreams”
Simmy Gupta
The Princess and the Chickpea is an exciting new collaboration between Nutkhut and Cirque Bijou for festivals and outdoor spaces, co-commissioned by Bula Festival, Camp Bestival Shropshire and Newcastle Mela.
The reimagining of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale classic, transports us to 16th century Mughal India, where dreams transport intergenerational audiences into technicolour.
This mid scale outdoor arts circus show for families, will feature Kathak, puppetry, and a specially composed soundtrack.
Following a decade of collaboration and pushing the boundaries of outdoor circus, theatre and parades, Nutkhut and Cirque Bijou reunite with this new family show. Drawing on a range of theatrical techniques and styles with a modern twist and a sprinkling of humour.