Barnsley Bright Nights

Barnsley’s dazzling Bright Nights Festival returns to the town centre this November with two nights of free family entertainment.

The fun starts from 5pm on Friday 22 November with “The Barnsley Carol”.

The frontage of Cineworld will be transformed with a huge projected story show by artists Illuminos alongside a live Christmas choir from the Barnsley Singers in The Glass Works Square.

On Saturday 23 November, Bright Nights will conclude with the family favourite illuminated parade from 6:30pm.

Starting in Midland Street, the procession will weave its way down Eldon Street and end in The Glass Works Square. Enjoy giant inflatable puppets, lively singers, dancers, and the mythical Eldon Street Beast as well as a host of community groups journeying through the town centre.

Families can join free lantern-making sessions at The Glass Works on Saturday 9, Sunday 10, and Saturday 16 November to be a part of the illuminated display.

Visitors can also follow the Light Art Trail across both nights with incredible visual installations at various town centre locations.

Don’t miss ‘Happy as the Day is Long’, a giant mirrorball and pop-up silent disco at Barnsley College.

Elsewhere, the Alhambra Shopping Centre will be home to a gigantic illuminated slinky toy and ‘Matter of the Heart’ in which real-time heartbeats light up the artwork.

Lumen Array will be entertaining crowds at Barnsley Civic with a spectacular show featuring circus, dance, and music and you can hold holographic butterflies ‘In a City of Flowers’ at the Cooper Gallery.

Councillor Robin Franklin said: “Barnsley Bright Nights is a special event for our town. It brings colour and creativity to our streets and unites our community. It’s wonderful to see everyone celebrating Barnsley through light and art.

“High quality free events like this are important for our local economy and culture. They attract visitors and show Barnsley as the vibrant and welcoming place it is.”

View the full line-up: https://visitbarnsley.co.uk/brightnights or follow Visit Barnsley on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

Participating Bright Nights venues include: The Glass Works, St Mary’s Church, Barnsley Civic, Barnsley College Old Mill Lane Campus, Experience Barnsley, The Cooper Gallery, Library @ The Lightbox and the Alhambra Shopping Centre.

Bright Nights is a member of Light Up the North, a network of light festivals taking place across the North of England and that it has been funded by Arts Council England.

Editor notes:
Barnsley Bright Nights is brought to you by a collaboration of partners, including Arts Council England, Barnsley Arts & Events, Barnsley Council, The Glass Works, Visit Barnsley, Barnsley College, Barnsley Museums, Alhambra Shopping Centre, Cineworld, Barnsley Civic, Family Hubs and Start for Life, and RSPB1.

Barnsley Bright Nights is a member of Light Up the North, a network of light festivals taking place across the North of England. This annual event aims to bring the community together through the power of light and art, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere for all to enjoy.