Love Art: New £200m heart of Barnsley celebrations

Love Art, presented by the Dream Engine, symbolises the new heart of the town centre with performances in The Glass Works Square on at 11.30am, 1pm and 2:30pm on Saturday, September 11.

It is one of many entertainment highlights, including unique dance, drama and song, in the new town centre square which has been officially opened as the first phase of the town’s new look as a rebooted shopping and leisure destination.

Civic leaders, traders and shoppers gathered in Barnsley’s newest public space as The Glass Works Square was officially unveiled this week.

The development will be launched in phases over the next six months, with the opening of the new public square marking the first major milestone.

TK Maxx, Next and Sports Direct also opened their doors for shoppers in the new development and later this month The Fragrance Shop will open.

Autumn will see this exciting calendar of activity continue, with more new stores opening, colourful visitor events and the opening of Superbowl UK. While Cineworld’s state-of-the-art 13 screen multiplex will open early next year.

Following the phased opening period, it is anticipated that 90% of the development will be let – significantly enhancing the town centre’s retail and leisure offer.

The Glass Works Square significantly enhances the accessibility and connectivity of the town centre by providing direct access to and from the Transport Interchange, as well as creating a high-quality and attractive public space for people to enjoy, meet and relax in.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony followed speeches by Barnsley Mayor Coun Caroline Makinson, Barnsley Central MP and South Yorkshire Mayor Dan Jarvis, and Deputy Leader Coun Jim Andrews.

An exciting programme of family activities in and around the pubic square, includes glamorous stilt walkers, storytelling, funky brass ensembles and a magnificent aerial acrobatics show.

Back Chat Brass, a seven-piece street band from Yorkshire, gave modern pop classics a ‘New Orleans-style’ twist and performied a special commissioned version of Heart of Glass by Blondie, to mark The Glass Works opening.

Entertainment continues on Saturday from 11am to 3pm.

11am and 12 noon: Sid Bowfin, a world class violinist and clown, Sid’s shows are a wonderful combination of classical music and comedy.

11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm: Balloonatic - look out for the wandering balloon-artists as they create inflated wonders in all shapes and sizes.

11.15am, 12.45pm and 2.15pm: The giant Mr and Mrs Pigeon will be strutting their stuff and ruffling their feathers as they explore The Glass Works square.

11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm: Love Art – The Dream Engine presents this breath-taking aerial acrobatics show featuring a giant 12.5m-high red heart – representing the new beating heart of Barnsley town centre.

12.30pm to 2pm: Frumptarn Guggenband, Barnsley’s very own big band, are back with their unique blend of bold brass and punchy percussion.

1.15pm: Barnsley Metropolitan Band, the town’s traditional brass band, based at The Civic, will give a full-band performance for the first time in the town centre since the end of lockdown.

1.45pm and 2.45pm: Stagecoach Performing Arts Barnsley will showcase a specially created piece featuring dance, drama and song. Written by tutor Jordan Storey, the performance will feature their talented young students aged 8 to 16 years old.