People urged to take part in blackout for Hadrian's Wall Illumination

Linda Tuttiett, chief executive of Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, which has led the project, said: "Many parts of the Hadrian's Wall Path are in rural areas where there are very few lights.

"However, the route passes through Newcastle and Carlisle as well as running near many other homes and buildings.

"We think it would be great if local people and businesses could take part by switching some or all of their lights off, as long as it's safe to do so. That way everyone will be able to enjoy the line of lights at its very best."

Lights should be turned off from about 5.45pm around Newcastle, about 6.15pm between Hexham and Brampton and 6.30pm in Carlisle.

Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd will be calculating the carbon cost of the event and offsetting the carbon emissions through a programme of tree planting.

However, a voluntary blackout will also make an additional contribution towards offsetting the carbon costs.

The points of light will be placed at roughly 250-metre intervals, along the route of the 84-mile Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail.

The event will start at Segedunum Roman Fort at Wallsend at 5.15pm with a performance by Berlin-based Theatre Anu.

Angels will appear around the ruins of the fort to tell the story of a winged boy who could cross the wall at will as the skies begin to dim.

The first of the lights will then be illuminated at about 5.45pm.