Barnsley Bright Nights to dazzle with spectacular events

Illuminated events, art installations and activities are taking place across 10 key town centre venues on Thursday to Saturday, November 25 top 27, from 5pm and 8:30pm.

DOWNLOAD MAP AND FIND OUT MORE: For more information and to download the Barnsley Bright Nights programme, including a map of where to find all the installations please visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/brightnights.

The festivities start with a spectacular light show and festive party to switch-on the Christmas lights at Barnsley Town Hall, on Thursday, November 25, at 6pm.

The headline event of Barnsley Bright Nights – on Saturday, November 27 – will feature STORM, a 10-metre-tall Scottish mythical winter sea goddess, made entirely from natural and recycled materials.

STORM, created by Vision Mechanics, will make her English debut in Barnsley with an important message for the local community to come together to care for our environment.

As part of the grand finale, STORM will leave the Digital Media Centre on County Way at 5.30pm and journey through the town centre before arriving at The Glass Works, where serenaded with light and music, she will bless the new public square and make a pledge for a more ‘Sustainable Barnsley’ as part of the town’s vision and ambitions to be the place of possibilities.

In addition to STORM, prepare to be enthralled by stunning light activations and imaginative installations as part of the Light Art Trail located at venues across the town centre.

The Beasts are back!

Following their debut at the Twisted, Barnsley Festival of Natural art in the summer, the nine willow beasts, all inspired by local legends, will come together for the first time in Churchfield Peace Gardens.

Bathed in lights these wonderful artworks are joined by a brand-new reindeer creation by renowned willow artist Sarah Gallagher-Hayes, for Barnsley’s Fantastical Beasts By Night.

MARS, an ‘out of this world’ exhibit by renowned artist Luke Jerram will be on display at Barnsley College’s Old Mill Lane Campus.

So don’t miss your chance to experience first-hand this stunning portrayal of our red planet.

Elsewhere, you can visit The Civic to see the unmissable SURGE 360 – a stunningly visual and immersive new dance performance, or explore the latest exhibitions at the Cooper Gallery, which includes Kathy Hinde’s Luminous Birds.

Over on Eldon Street, step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating history and heritage of Eldon Street with words from acclaimed poet laureate Simon Armitage brought to life in neon.

Celebrating the Eldon Street High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme, supported by Historic England, which is bringing the area’s historic buildings back to life.

There’s also Festive Favourites presented by Barnsley Live at St Mary’s Church, Barnsley’s Fantastical Beasts by Night in the Churchfield Peace Gardens, and artist Patrick Murphy’s installation of Hope at the DMC01.

For those with little ones, Library @ the Lightbox is a must, with brand-new puppet show SeedHeart, regular in-person storytime sessions and crafting.

For older children and adults there’s a special Neon Silent Disco and several virtual reality sessions taking place.

For more information on Bright Nights, check out Love Barnsley Town Centre on Facebook and Twitter and use #BarnsleyBrightNights to join in the conversation.

In addition to the array of stunning events and exhibitions this winter, you and your family can continue to experience everything The

Glass Works has to offer. From handmade Neapolitan-style pizza to Thai street food – Market Kitchen will be staying open late to serve hungry guests.

Looking for some indoor fun to warm you up? Then head to the town centre’s newest entertainment complex, Superbowl UK, which provides yet more family fun.

You can also grab a head start with your Christmas shopping at The Glass Works stores, including TK Maxx, Next, Sports Direct, JD Sports and Deichmann.

Participating Bright Nights venues include: The Town Hall, The Glass Works, St Mary’s Church, Churchfield Peace Gardens, Barnsley College Old Mill Lane Campus, Barnsley Chronicle, Cooper Gallery, The Civic, Barnsley, DMC01/The Seam, Eldon Street and Library @ the Lightbox.

Free parking is available after 5pm.

With events spread across 10 venues, Barnsley Bright Nights has been designed to keep audiences, staff, and artists safe.

“We ask that all visitors take reasonable precautions while at the event, especially to avoid crowded spaces and to come back later or head to another venue if an activity is looking very busy. Please be aware that you'll need to abide by the coronavirus procedures at each venue, and that these could change at any time and may be different across venues,” a spokesperson added.