Barnsley Bright Nights 2024
Barnsley Bright Nights 2024
Free light art event
Make It Bright
Barnsley Bright Nights returns in 2024 to light up the darker evenings with free art installations and the annual Bright Nights Illuminated Parade through the town centre.
There's something for everyone over the two day festival with lots of free activities taking place across Barnsley town centre.
On Friday 22 November we launch Bright Nights in festive style, with The Barnsley Carol multimedia projection in The Glass Works Square featuring stunning visuals and live performances from Barnsley Singers. Then explore the town centre and discover interactive installations at Barnsley Civic, Barnsley College, Cooper Gallery, Library @ the Lightbox, Alhambra Shopping Centre and more.
On Saturday 23 November see the Illuminated Parade starring the amazing inflatable Strobilophones. The illuminated procession will feature colourful hand-crafted lanterns, music and community groups as they journey through the town centre.
Barnsley Bright Nights is accessible to everyone and on Friday 22 November there will also be a British Sign Language (BSL) guided tour with Martin Glover at 6pm. This is now FULLY BOOKED.
You can learn more about the accessibility of Barnsley town centre on our accessibility information page.
On both Friday and Saturday, join us in The Glass Works Square for a festive celebration as Cineworld’s frontage is transformed with a projected story show by artists Illuminos.
Visitor Information
What is The Barnsley Carol?
The Barnsley Carol is a new projection artwork based on a rediscovered carol ‘Christmas Eve’ first published in the Barnsley Chronicle in 1933. Written by Barnsley bottle maker Arthur Godfrey the carol follows in a centuries old South Yorkshire carolling tradition and is inspired by the church bells that traditionally chime on Christmas Eve.
90 years after it was first published, Barnsley Museums resurrected the 'Christmas Eve' carol after finding in in their archives. Barnsley Youth Choir performed the Barnsley Carol and it was transmitted on Radio 4 last Christmas Eve. Find out more about the carol on the Barnsley Museums website.
On the Friday the carol will be brought to life with live performances by the brilliant Barnsley Singers community choir.
When will it be performed?
You can watch and listen to the performances on:
- Friday 22 November: Showings with live choir every 30mins from 5pm to 8.30pm.
- Saturday 23 November: Showings at intervals between 5pm and 8.30pm
Look out too for the colourful and elegant Light Belles stiltwalkers ringing in the start of Christmas.
What is The Barnsley Carol?
The Barnsley Carol is a new projection artwork based on a rediscovered carol ‘Christmas Eve’ first published in the Barnsley Chronicle in 1933. Written by Barnsley bottle maker Arthur Godfrey the carol follows in a centuries old South Yorkshire carolling tradition and is inspired by the church bells that traditionally chime on Christmas Eve.
90 years after it was first published, Barnsley Museums resurrected the 'Christmas Eve' carol after finding in in their archives. Barnsley Youth Choir performed the Barnsley Carol and it was transmitted on Radio 4 last Christmas Eve. Find out more about the carol on the Barnsley Museums website.
On the Friday the carol will be brought to life with live performances by the brilliant Barnsley Singers community choir.
When will it be performed?
You can watch and listen to the performances on:
- Friday 22 November: Showings with live choir every 30mins from 5pm to 8.30pm.
- Saturday 23 November: Showings at intervals between 5pm and 8.30pm
Look out too for the colourful and elegant Light Belles stiltwalkers ringing in the start of Christmas.
Catch the playful parade as it weaves through the town centre for the Bright Nights finale.
Visitor Information
What to expect
Experience the Strobilophones, a work of illuminated street theatre featuring inflatable puppets, singers and dancers bringing colour and joy. Rave on the streets to Disco Bike Dancers, spot the soaring Birds of Play and witness the mythical Eldon Street Beast for one final time.
When is the Illuminated Parade?
You can watch the parade from 6.30pm on Saturday 23 November.
It is expected to last 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Where can I see the Illuminated Parade?
The parade will start on Midland Street (near Barnsley Interchange) before weaving its way down Eldon Street, through Peel Square and Queen Street before finishing in The Glass Works Square.
Visitors can line the parade route at any point.
Get involved
If you wish to take part in the parade, there will be free family lantern sessions in The Glass Works on Saturday 9, Sunday 10 and Saturday 16 November.
Limited places are available. Book free your tickets.
What to expect
Experience the Strobilophones, a work of illuminated street theatre featuring inflatable puppets, singers and dancers bringing colour and joy. Rave on the streets to Disco Bike Dancers, spot the soaring Birds of Play and witness the mythical Eldon Street Beast for one final time.
When is the Illuminated Parade?
You can watch the parade from 6.30pm on Saturday 23 November.
It is expected to last 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Where can I see the Illuminated Parade?
The parade will start on Midland Street (near Barnsley Interchange) before weaving its way down Eldon Street, through Peel Square and Queen Street before finishing in The Glass Works Square.
Visitors can line the parade route at any point.
Get involved
If you wish to take part in the parade, there will be free family lantern sessions in The Glass Works on Saturday 9, Sunday 10 and Saturday 16 November.
Limited places are available. Book free your tickets.