Barnsley Bright Nights To Storm Into Town Centre This Month

Barnsley Bright Nights returns this month with a packed line-up of free entertainment and exhibitions taking place between Thursday 25 and Saturday 27 November.

Three nights of illuminating events, art installations and activities are taking place between 5pm and 8:30pm across ten key town centre venues.

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

The headline event of Barnsley Bright Nights on 27 November 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 here 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 will 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 Barnsley’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.

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.

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