Spectacular free light event taking place in Accrington this weekend

An exciting new light event will take place in Accrington Town Centre this weekend, showcasing some of the UK’s most incredible art installations.

On Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October between 5pm and 9pm, visitors to the free event will get the opportunity to witness spectacular displays of light, art and performance throughout the town centre.

Organised by Hyndburn Borough Council, Enlighten is a light trail around some of the town’s key heritage buildings including Accrington Library, Accrington Town Hall, Market Chambers, Victorian Arcade, St James’ Church and the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden.

Those buildings will be transformed by some of the UK’s most talented artists, featuring laser shows, spectacular sculptures, dragon projections, live singing performances and much more.

There will also be a fantastic augmented-reality trail around the town centre by artist Kazia Cannon, created in partnership with the ‘Keeping East Lancs in the Picture’ project, where people can scan the QR codes on their mobile phones to learn more about the history of Accrington.

Local schools have also been involved in the event, with students from Hyndburn Park Primary School, Accrington Woodnook Primary School and Oswaldtwistle St Andrew’s CE Primary School all performing spoken word and poetry at Accrington Library at 6pm on Friday 25th October and 6pm on Saturday 26th October, with the public encouraged to come and listen to the spoken word presentations about Accrington.

Refreshments will be available throughout the event from the Accrington Town Hall café, while those attending Enlighten are being encouraged to #ShopLocal, with the Victorian Arcade also open during the event including Clarkey’s Café.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and Arts, said: “Enlighten is an event which will bring the history of Accrington alive, as well as inspiring our next generation.

“We have got an amazing range of activities and displays taking place throughout the event, and we can’t think of a better free event for people to attend over the half-term break.

“We are lucky to be able to welcome some of the most incredible artists and displays to Hyndburn and we can’t wait to share them with you all. It is going to be spectacular!”

A brand new to Accrington ticketed event is also taking place on Sunday 27th October from 1pm to 3pm. Baby Rock Sampler presents Stealing Sheep is a live music gig for parents, carers and children. Tickets are available to purchase here: skiddle.com/e/40059094

For full event information and timetable of activity visit: www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/enlighten

Enlighten is part of an exciting events programme delivered by Hyndburn Borough Council and funded by UK Government. The event is curated by Hyndburn’s Head of Culture and Heritage, Lucy Dusgate.