Accrington to Shine Bright with 'Enlighten' Light Festival

Accrington is set to dazzle as the 'Enlighten' light festival illuminates the town centre this October.

This free event promises to captivate visitors with stunning light displays and artistic performances, offering a unique experience for all ages.

Scheduled for Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October from 5pm to 9pm, 'Enlighten' will transform Accrington into a vibrant spectacle. The festival will feature installations by renowned UK artists, turning the town's streets and landmarks into a canvas of light and colour.

Visitors can expect to see everything from intricate light sculptures to interactive displays that invite participation and wonder.

In addition to the visual feast, the festival will also host a special music gig for families on Sunday 27th October, starting at noon.

This event will provide an opportunity for adults with young children to enjoy live music in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Local violist David Aspin from Opera North will perform, adding a touch of musical magic to the festivities.

Organisers are thrilled to bring 'Enlighten' back to Accrington, aiming to create an unforgettable experience that celebrates art and culture in the heart of the town. The festival not only highlights the creativity of local and national artists but also fosters a sense of community by bringing people together in a shared celebration.

With its combination of dazzling lights, engaging performances, and community spirit, 'Enlighten' promises to be a highlight of the October half-term.

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in this spectacular event that showcases the best of Accrington's cultural scene.

What’s On & Where

Accrington Library

• Sensorium by Gemma Wood – visitors will get the chance to embark on a spellbinding exploration inside the mind, in the shape of specially made structures. A fusion of sound and light will offer a unique glimpse into the wondrous interplay of our minds.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 5pm-9pm.
• Learn more here: being-nowhere.com

• Sonic Threads – Supriya Nagarajan brings her evocative Indian vocals and merges it with exhilarating western harp played by Lucy Nolan and together they take listeners on a journey from India to Europe. The duo will be joined by sound artist Duncan Chapman for this performance.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 7:30pm.
• Learn more: sonicthreadsduo.com

• A special performance of spoken word and poetry, to be read by a special guest and schoolchildren from local Primary Schools.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 6pm.
• More details to be announced in the coming weeks.

St James’ Church

• Black Hole – End of Time by award-winning artist and composer Paul Alty – an immersive and multimedia laser and sound installation. Watch as a black hole floats, as the air fizzes with lasers and projections, creating a 360-degree sensory experience, set to a contemporary electro-cinematic soundtrack.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 5pm-9pm.
• Learn more: wixsite.com/paulalty
• The newly transformed Accrington Pals Memorial Garden will also feature on the trail, with visitors able to check out the memorial garden on Church Street, featuring a brand new sculpture.

• NETWORK by Gemma Wood – will illuminate the church garden with a breath-taking large sculpture of light. As the sun sets, this spectacle will light up your senses, as the beauty of the mind meets the magic of the night.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 5pm-9pm.
• Learn more here: being-nowhere.com

 Market Chambers

• Glowing & Growing by Baker & Bliss – an immersive and interactive glow-in-the-dark experience.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 5pm-9pm.
• Drop-in workshops are taking place on Wednesday 23^rd October and Thursday 24^th October between 12pm and 6pm, where members of the public can make a glow-in-the-dark sculpture to add to the installation, add their glowing handprint, become a living sculpture or add a message on a label, before returning to Market Chambers during Enlighten to see how the space has been transformed.
• Learn more: loubakerartist.co.uk

Victorian Arcade

• Lamplight is a new commission for Enlighten by artists House Of Light – offering a unique illuminated walk through this beautiful and historic Victorian Arcade.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 5pm-9pm.

 Accrington Town Centre

• The AR Enlighten Trail – a visual history AR Walking Trail in the town centre, will provide a historical journey, where visitors can explore historic images of Accrington through their mobile phones.
• The Enlighten Trail has been created in partnership with the ‘Keeping East Lancs in the Picture’ project, where local people have gathered and digitised images of the town, comparing Accrington today with Accrington of old.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 5pm-9pm.
• Learn more about ‘Keeping East Lancashire in the Picture’: lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/archives-and-record-office/keeping-east-lancashire-in-the-picture

Accrington Town Hall

• Illuminos, headed up by brothers Matt and Rob Vale – will exhibit a remarkable display of light and colour, with a special ‘Dragon’ projection in the ballroom. From Chicago to Cyprus, Illuminos is revered around the world for their visually inventive, memorable projection artworks and experiences.
• Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th October, 5pm-9pm.
• Learn more: illuminos.co.uk

Ticketed Event

The final part of Enlighten will come in the shape of Baby Rock Sampler, an afternoon ticketed music gig for grownups and kids, on Sunday 27^th October at 1pm.

Acclaimed electronic pop group Stealing Sheep will perform a captivating live set featuring costume, movement and special effects.

Learn more and purchase tickets, here: skiddle.com/e/40059094

A free performance by local-born solo violist David Aspin from Opera North from 12 noon will also be taking place as audiences arrive into the Town Hall.