Where can I park for Barnsley Bright Nights?  

There are several car parks across the town centre that people attending Barnsley Bright Nights can use.  

These can all be found on the council website: Car parks and on-street parking.  

On Friday, as with all Barnsley FC home matches, Market Gate car park will be closed so we would encourage visitors to plan their journey.  

Is it the same programme on Friday and Saturday?  

Yes, Barnsley Bright Nights has the same programme on both nights (Friday 20 and Saturday 21 November) so there is the same opportunity to experience the festival. 

How is Barnsley Bright Nights funded?  

Barnsley Bright Nights is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.  

With additional support from Barnsley Council, The Glass Works, Barnsley Museums, The Seam Digital Campus, Barnsley College, Visit Barnsley, Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust, Without Walls, Light Up The North, Barnsley Civic, Alhambra Shopping Centre and Barnsley Libraries. 

When will the Christmas lights be switched-on? 

There won't be a Christmas lights countdown or switch-on event. The lights will be on across the town centre throughout the evening and will remain in place for the rest of the festive season. 

The Barnsley Bright Nights installations will be open from 5pm on both Friday and Saturday, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the light trail and displays at their leisure. 

How much does the event cost to attend and do I have to book tickets? 

The event is completely free to attend on both nights and there is no need to book tickets. 

Will there be an Illuminated Parade this year? 

Our live performances – inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas - will be taking place in The Glass Works Square on both nights of the festival. 

Visitors can expect drummers drumming, ladies dancing and more in illuminated displays co-created by Global Grooves and Cabasa with local groups. 

Will there be any lantern making workshops this year? 

There won't be any lantern making at the festival this year... however, visitors can participate in drop-in craft sessions for all ages at the Library @ The Lightbox. Barnsley College University Centre will also host family activities throughout Barnsley Bright Nights. 

Where can I find information on the night? 

Free brochures featuring the light art trail map can be collected from our information stall outside the Library @ The Lightbox, in The Glass Works Square and all venues involved in the trail (subject to availability). You can also find information and a copy of the brochure on the Visit Barnsley Website 

Will there be photography at the event? 

Official Barnsley Bright Nights photographers and videographers will be covering all our events for marketing and publicity purposes. By attending any Bright Nights event you are consenting to your image being recorded. 

Photographers and videographers will be wearing hi-vis jackets should you wish to approach them and request that you or your children do not appear in any photos or videos. 

As Barnsley Bright Nights takes place in public spaces, we cannot control other people taking images of events on phones or cameras. We ask that if you are taking images at the event and posting them on social media that you are mindful of other people’s privacy, especially children and young people who are not part of your group. 

Is Barnsley Bright Nights accessible? 

Yes! Barnsley Bright Nights is fully accessible to everyone. 

A free British Sign Language (BSL) guided tour of the artworks and installations with Martin Glover starts on Saturday 21 November at 6pm and will take around 90 minutes. Tickets must be booked in advance. (Tickets will be available to book soon.) 

The Goodysphere Sensory Bus in The Glass Works Square will offer a calming space with a range of sensory resources.  

ArtWorks Barnsley host a calm, creative installation ‘Found in the Aether’ in the Hanson Room at Barnsley Civic. Quiet spaces are also available at both Barnsley College venues. 

You can learn more about the accessibility of Barnsley town centre on our accessibility information page. 

Will the event still go ahead in bad weather? 

In the event of severe weather some activities may have to be postponed or cancelled – please look out for updates on the night via our social media pages. 

Will there be fireworks at the event? 

There will be no fireworks at Barnsley Bright Nights. 

Will there be food and drink available on the night? 

Yes! Not only will there be a number of fantastic restaurants and eateries open across Barnsley town centre on both nights of the event, there will also be food trucks located on Cheapside and The Seam. Food and refreshments will also be available at both Barnsley College venues. 

Are there toilets available at the event? 

Accessible toilets will be available at participating venues across the light art trail. 

Is Barnsley Bright Nights dog friendly? 

Dogs are welcome in Barnsley town centre, and all outdoor venues. Assistance dogs are welcome at all venues across the light art trail.   

Is Bright Nights an indoor or outdoor event? 

Barnsley Bright Nights takes place at both indoor and outdoor venues across the town centre. Visit our events page for more information on the different venues involved this year. 

Why is Bright Nights on the same night as Barnsley vs Sheffield Wednesday at Oakwell?  

This year's Barnsley Bright Nights has been set in the events calendar since last year and was announced in January 2026, before the 26/27 fixture dates were released. The fixture date for the South Yorkshire derby was rearranged between Sky Sports and Barnsley Football Club in July 2026.  

Planning for Barnsley Bright Nights has been in place over the past 12 months. We have explored holding the event on alternative dates, but due to venue and artists availability, this was not possible. 

We hope fans and visitors enjoy their night and encourage people to plan their journey. 

Will there be any road closures?  

The usual matchday road closures will be in place. 

Will there be a Police presence?  

As with any town centre event, there will be police and town centre wardens present.  

We are working with partners, including South Yorkshire Police, to make the town centre a safe and secure environment for everyone.   

You may see an increase in police presence on the Friday due to the Barnsley match taking place that evening.