Illuminations, twinkling trails and mesmerising fireworks will be lighting up Yorkshire in November.
Laser show at Sheffield Botanic Gardens as part of Illuminate the Gardens. Image: Ben Harrrison Bold at the Botanics
Sheffield’s hugely popular Illuminate the Gardens is back at the Botanical Gardens for the seventh outing of this hugely successful show.
This year’s theme is Hidden Treasures with several more new artist installations on site for 2024. The highlight of the new show design will be a new trail at the lower lawns site for folks to explore and marvel at the amazing features en route.
This includes more free activities for youngsters to enjoy and a treasure hunt trail in the gardens site to follow and collect the stamps as you make your way round the new trail.
Food is a big deal her with local street food traders including Moss Valley serving up a selection of pork dishes, straight from the farm. Or choose from wood fired pizzas, Thai, Greek, Mexican and more – or go sweet with churros and splendid cakes from Adventurous Cakebook.
The event’s lineup includes an earluy low-bang firework display as well as traditional display plus Glasshouse light shows.
November 1-3
illuminatethegardens.co.uk
Fountains by Floodlight is one of Yorkshire’s most magical places to visit as lights and shadows create a mysterious atmosphere in the historic ruins of Fountains Abbey near Ripon.
Watch as night falls over the abbey and the ruins start to glow with light. Bring a torch and chase your shadows as you experience the abbey like never before. Join a volunteers’ guided walk at 6 – 7pm. Head to the cellarium between 7pm – 8pm to hear the voices of choirs ring through the ruin as darkness continues to fall. There’s a bustling food and drink villages too for cold weather sustenance
Until November 2.
Light Up is back as part of Wakefield’s Our Year 2024 with a series of events lighting up the district to kick off the start of the festive season.
There will be some exciting activities, enchanting light displays and plenty of fun across the district.
On November 15-17 Light Up returns to Wakefield City Centre where visitors can watch distinctive buildings come alive with light and colour and be mesmerised by a variety of incredible light installations across the city including The Ice is Melting at the Pøules II, which is made by light shining through rotating and enclosed glass discs highlighting global warming. Timekeepers is an immersive experience with projection mapping, and Sentinel is a large scale artwork inspired by the wings of a canary, reflecting Wakefield’s coal mining heritage.
At National Trust Nostell on November 7-9, enjoy a night of culture and fire art in the garden. The rose garden will be lit by 240 blazing torches and impressive steel sculptures of delicate seed heads and natural forms. Bring the family for a stroll around the magical rose garden, brought to life with music, art and light and fire. Warm up with cup of complimentary herbal tea fresh from the Samovar and experience the house after hours. £4-8pp. nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk
Light Up events will take places across the district:
Nov 15-17: The Hepworth Wakefield
Nov 15 – Jan 5: Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Nov 19: Castleford
Nov 22-24: Festival at the National Coal Mining Museum
Nov 24: Pontefract
Nov 30: Osset
experiencewakefield.co.uk/event/light-up-festival
East Riddlesden Hall in Keighley will open its doors to celebrate the magic of Diwali, celebrating the festival of lights for the very first time.
Step into a dazzling display of lights that illuminate the Hall and grounds. Visit on one of the open evenings and follow the trail of lights around the gardens.
Inside the Hall you’ll find beautifully crafted Diya lamps and traditional decorations, lovingly created by the local community.
Visit the Maids Chamber and Discovery Room for some Diwali themed crafting and pop by the tearoom to warm yourself with an authentic chickpea curry.
Nov 1-13.
nationaltrust.org.uk
Autumn Lights is a spectacular touring firework fiesta taking place in three Yorkshire venues. Definitely a family-friendly event, it features two mesmerizing firework displays choreographed to music. There’s live music as well as walkabout entertainers, fire-eaters, and the captivating drummers, Spark. A family funfair with a variety of rides and attractions and street food stalls and bars.
Temple Newsam, Leeds, Nov 2, Elvington Airfield, York Nov 4, Don Valley Bowl, Sheffield, Sheffield Botanics
Nov 5.
Book at autumnlights.co.uk
If you like your fireworks with a side order of fine dining, then book in for more than a jacket potato or a hot dog at Feast & Fireworks at The Devonshire Arms, Bolton Abbey.
Back for a second year, the foodie fund starts with canapes followed by a menu brimming with seasonality and local produce. Head to the Apres bar, wrap up in a rug and enjoy a fireworks display set to music.
November 5
£90 pp
devonshirehotels.co.uk
When it comes to winter magic, RHS Harlow Carr’s Glow festive is a sight to behold. Cosy up in hats and mitts to wander the enchanting trail around the garden and see some of RHS Harlow Carr’s iconic features in a different, dazzling light. From magnificent trees bathed in brilliant colour to shimmering shrubs and water feature wow moments, there are captivating views and magical effects to discover at every turn.
You’ll be immersed in a kaleidoscope of festive colour as thousands of glittering lights fill the garden with seasonal cheer. It’s a perfect backdrop for catching up with family, friends and loved ones at this special time of year. Stop off for festive treats too – enjoy a mulled wine or indulgent hot chocolate.
Nov 21- Dec 28.
rhs.org.uk
This year, the Stewarts Trust, which runs Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum in Pocklington celebrates its Diamond Jubilee. To mark this milestone event, the Gardens will be illuminated for visitors to enjoy at night for the very first time in Burnby’s 60-year history.
Experience the lakes and trees as you’ve never seen them before, all beautifully illuminated with winter lighting.
Nov 29-Dec21
burnbyhallgardens.com
Turn to pages XXX (coast) and XX (family DPS ) for more sparkling trails to disvoer
