This year’s event is themed ‘Between Earth and Sky' and will inspire wonder through Barnsley’s vibrant communities, offering an immersive experience for residents and visitors alike.   

The Glass Works Square will host '12 Giant Days' a new larger-than-life projection installation by Illuminos retelling the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas carol, accompanied by local community groups and performers including Frumptarn Guggenband, Horizon Community College and Barnsley Drummers.     

Barnsley College will host the breath-taking 'Museum of the Moon' installation, a seven-metre touring artwork by Luke Jerram, featuring detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface, accompanied by an atmospheric sound composition.    

Throughout the town centre, attendees will encounter a diverse range of light art installations and live illuminated performances on both nights.   

Highlights include an immersive light experience at Barnsley Town Hall, inspired by the Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt exhibition, and The Yorkshire Rose sculptures coming to life with voices notes created by the people of Barnsley.    

Interactive activities will also be available at the Library @ the Lightbox, and the Alhambra Shopping Centre will host the Space Dome, a mobile planetarium that takes visitors across the galaxy, whilst St Mary's Church will host Noctilucent - a projected light installation within haze.  

Additional attractions include Firefly Field, light points that simulate the movements of nocturnal fireflies, and Waves, a unique artwork that lets you see what you are hearing at the Digital Media Centre by local Barnsley collective Limit Zero.   

The festival is free to attend, family-friendly, and fully accessible, which remains a core value of the event. The Goodysphere Sensory Bus will be in The Glass Works Square both nights and a bookable British Sign Language guided tour will be available to ensure an inclusive experience for all participants.    

Councillor Katie Milner, Cabinet Support Member for Communities, said:    

"It's thrilling to see Barnsley Bright Nights back for its ninth year and see our town centre transformed once again with colour, creativity and incredible art installation across ten different venues.   

“Barnsley Bright Nights always brings a brilliant atmosphere and is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our town at it's very best to mark the start of the Christmas season.”   

Barnsley Bright Nights is presented by Barnsley Arts & Events and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. The festival is a proud member of Light Up the North, a network of light festivals across the North of England and is made possible through the collaboration of local partners, artists, and volunteers.   

For further information, event updates, and accessibility details, please head to visitbarnsley.co.uk/brightnights or follow @VisitBarnsley on Facebook and Instagram.