When will the Christmas lights be switched-on?

This year, Barnsley's Christmas Lights will be illuminated ready for your arrival at Barnsley Bright Nights. There will not be a countdown. They can be seen across the town centre throughout the night. 

Based on feedback from visitors to previous events, we've chosen to allow people to choose any point in the night to come and view the light art installations at their leisure to help improve your experience. You can attend at any time that suits you to see the Christmas lights and the light art trail which will be open from 5pm on both nights.

Can I book a promotional/food stall at Barnsley Bright Nights?

No stalls will be available at the event. Food stalls are fully booked. 

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 apart from for the free BSL Signed Tour.

Book your tickets for the BSL Signed Tour.

Will there be an Illuminated Parade this year?

This year, our live illuminated performances will be taking place on both nights of the festival at various times and venues across the Bright Nights trail rather than in a parade on one night.  

Visitors can marvel at stilt walkers, arctic fox puppets, vibrant drummers and dancers 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 community lantern making workshops prior to the festival... however, visitors can participate in drop-in craft sessions for all ages at the Library @ The Lightbox and lantern making sessions at the BASE71 Youth Zone during both nights of the festival. 

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 and all venues involved in the trail (subject to availability).

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.

Barnsley Bright Nights is delighted to welcome Martin Glover to the festival, who will be offering a British Sign Language (BSL) guided tour of the artworks and installations.

The free tour starts on Saturday 22 November at 6pm and will take around 90 minutes. Tickets must be booked in advance.

Quiet spaces will also be available at Barnsley College and BASE71 Youth Zone.

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 events 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.

Where can I park for the event?

There are lots of car parking spaces in Barnsley town centre. You can find out more details on our Parking in Barnsley page.

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 Queen Street.

Food and refreshments will be also available from Street Eats, Barnsley College's on-site café, serving hot drinks, soups and sweet treats, as well as hearty options including pizza, chicken burgers, pie and peas, hotdogs and fries.

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.