Wakefield Council has unveiled the complete lineup for this year’s Light Up festival, set to take place across the district from the 17th to the 26th of November 2023.
Cllr Michelle Collins, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “We’re really looking forward to this year’s Light Up festival, which will help spread some festive cheer across our district.
“There are events and activities taking place right across our area, and there really is something for everyone to enjoy. It’s more important than ever that we support our city and towns to come together at the moment, so take a look and get a date in your diary.”
From the 17th to the 19th of November, Wakefield invites visitors to experience the city in a completely new light through its Light Up trail adorned with astonishing light installations.
The focal point of the festival is a projection mapping masterpiece named LEAP, crafted by the artistic production company ‘imitating the dog’. Occurring on the evenings of the 17th, 18th, and 19th of November, from 5 pm to 8 pm, LEAP melds touching narratives, breathtaking animations, and a live vocalist.
The precinct will also host a Christmas Craft and Gift Market, as well as an opportunity for families to partake in festive crafts and even meet a bona fide elf.
The tipi bar will make a return with live entertainment, and event partners Wakefield Cathedral, Trinity Walk, and The Ridings Shopping Centre will be presenting a program of yuletide merriment, featuring face painting, street performances, Santa’s Grotto, and more.
Light Up is also venturing to Pontefract Castle for two days of festive merriment (24th-25th November), encompassing a tipi bar and an array of family-friendly activities. Visitors can anticipate a truly unique experience as the grounds are illuminated by ‘For Peace’, an astounding 125-metre-long light installation by artists Sedemminut.
The enchantment endures throughout the month, so make a note of these dates:
17th – 19th November: Wakefield City Centre Light Up
17th – 19th November: The Hepworth Wakefield Light Up
17th – 18th November: Yorkshire Sculpture Park Light Up
21st November: Castleford Light Up
24th – 26th November: National Coal Mining Museum Light Up
24th – 25th November: Pontefract Castle Light Up
26th November: Pontefract Town Centre Light Up
Light Up will carry on across the district in November, with Santa Underground making a return to his enchanting grotto beneath the surface from the 24th to the 26th of November at the National Coal Mining Museum. As part of their Light Up Illumine event, the museum will also feature a brass band, lantern crafting workshops, and a lantern parade to conclude the festivities.
From the 17th to the 19th of November, The Hepworth Wakefield’s Light Up will showcase ‘Nectary’ – six colossal glowing flowers meticulously crafted from recycled materials by artist Alison Smith and scientist Dr Chris Hassall. Engage with this light and sound installation in The Hepworth Wakefield Garden and participate in drop-in creative workshops.
The Yorkshire Sculpture Park will host enchanting Light Up evening events on the 17th and 18th of November. Visit YSP’s exquisite Chapel to witness the Light Organ spring to life, activated by electrifying musical performances.
Further information about all Light Up events can be found at expwake.co/LightUp.
