Lost Christmas carol inspires light festival

Thousands gathered for last year's Bright Nights festival

A winter light festival has been inspired by a "lost" Christmas carol that was rediscovered by archivists 90 years after it was written.

Barnsley bottle-maker Arthur Godfrey composed "Christmas Eve" in 1933 and it has now been chosen as the theme for the Bright Nights event in the town centre.

The festival features illuminated artworks, performances and display and runs from 22-23 November.

Last year 24,000 people visited Barnsley for Bright Nights, an increase of 45% compared to 2022.

The event includes street artists and a parade through the town

The festival will open with a multimedia projection in Glass Works Square and live choir performances.

The Saturday programme includes an illuminated parade featuring inflatables, hand-crafted lanterns, music and community groups.

Art installations are located across the town for the festival

The event, which is now in its seventh year, is funded by Arts Council England, Barnsley Council and key partners including The Glass Works, Barnsley College, the Alhambra Shopping Centre and Barnsley Civic.

The festival involves 12 months of planning, Barnsley Council said, and is part of the Light Up the North network alongside Leeds and Liverpool.

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