The Glass Works and Barnsley Civic are delighted to announce the return of the Barnsley Garden Party on Saturday 14 September. The event promises a packed day of spectacular music, dance, circus, family shows and outdoor arts, bringing some of the UK’s leading artists and most exciting performances to Barnsley town centre. 
 

The family friendly festival takes place in The Glass Works Square, the retail and leisure centre at the heart of Barnsley’s town centre redevelopment, and Barnsley Civic, the recently restored theatre and arts venue, between 11am and 4pm. 
 

Some of the UK’s most exciting street artists and performers will be flocking to The Glass Works including: WILD, a gravity-defying exploration of our relationship with the natural environment through dance, acrobatics and circus; Look Mum, No Hands, explores a coming-of-age story about two friends testing their own boundaries; Serving Sounds, a multi-sensory sound installation that creates connection through music – a bar that serves bass rather than beer; drop in to the Library @ the Lightbox for a host of exciting eco-crafts throughout the day, from flower weaving to mini beast making, face painting and more. 
 

Barnsley Garden Party is part of Without Walls, a network of organisations bringing innovative outdoor arts to towns and cities across England. Find out more on withoutwalls.uk.com. 
 

The Barnsley Garden Party coincides with the grand reopening of Barnsley Civic’s iconic Eldon Street entrance. Originally built in 1877 as Barnsley Mechanics Institute and Public Hall, the main entrance doors were closed in 1998 but have been painstakingly restored as part of the Heritage Action Zone project which has taken place on Eldon Street, which borders The Glass Works.  
 

Barnsley Civic have an exciting day of entertainment and workshops planned which will echo their rich history. 
 

Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Council said “The return of the Barnsley Garden Party marks a fantastic opportunity to celebrate creativity and art, and the perfect way to round off brilliant summer in the town centre. 
 

This year our events calendar has continued to go from strength to strength with Barnsley’s Big Weekend and the upcoming Tour of Britain bringing some of the country’s best musical and sporting talent to Barnsley. 
 

To be able to celebrate art and creativity in partnership with Barnsley Civic, on the day they reopen their historic and much-loved Eldon Street entrance, is a real honour, and emphasises our commitment to promoting opportunities in these industries for young people in Barnsley.