Scarborough Lights Festival: Hopes new event will become permanent fixture

The Scarborough Lights Festival is hosting illuminations across the town until 23 December

Artists involved in a new illuminated art festival on the North Yorkshire coast say they hope it will become a regular event for years to come.

The Scarborough Lights Festival features a total of 15 events and light artworks from the UK and across Europe.

It is part of a three-year bid to boost arts and culture and improve job opportunities in the seaside town.

Organisers hope it will attract visitors outside the peak season.

It is the first event as part of the Scarborough Fair cultural initiative, which has received £1.2m from the government's Towns Fund programme.

Peasholm Park is hosting a winter lights trail during the event

The festival, which runs until 23 December, is happening at 13 venues and includes:

• A drone display at Scarborough Castle on Saturday

• Winter lights trail in Peasholm Park

• Light installations at Scarborough Library, the train station and the Rotunda Museum

• Further light art at Scarborough Spa, Scarborough Town Hall and the harbour

Péter Koros, one of the artists involved in the Peasholm Park display, said: "I am aware of just how well-loved the park is by both residents and visitors to Scarborough,and the winter lights trail is a wonderful centrepiece to the festival.

"I hope that it will become a mainstay for Scarborough for years to come."

Established under Royal Charter in 1253, the original Scarborough Fair drew merchants from all over the world to sell to visitors each August and September. The last event was held in 1788.

Flemish artist Peter Snijder brings a new projection to St Mary's Church in Scarborough

Scarborough Castle will host a drone display as part of the festival

Peter Snijder, a Flemish artist, has created an installation called "The Fading Light of Ruins" at St Mary's Church.

"While I love being able to show my creations in such wonderful settings as the church, this is far more about being given the chance to engage with visitors as well as local residents in Scarborough," he said.

"I truly hope that both mine and all the other artists' work inspires people who visit the festival and that it becomes a long-standing fixture on North Yorkshire's arts and cultural calendar."