Leeds | Today is the second day of Light night Leeds, the UK’s largest annual arts and light festival, where some of Leeds’ most recognisable spaces are being transformed by spectacular artworks and performances. See the city in a new light and discover free arts events across the city centre, from large-scale light projections and interactive installations, to music, dance and street performances.
Wrotham | If you’re near Wrotham this evening, don’t miss the Wrotham Festival of Light, featuring entertainment by the Kings of Dhol and Bloco Fogo Samba, the colourful lantern lights parade, and a brilliant fireworks finale!
Blackpool | There’s 16 nights of spectacle at Lightpool Festival in Blackpool starting today! The amazing programme includes a mix of light-based art installations, lasers, live performances, family-friendly activities, and 3D projection shows. Don’t miss the Art Trail from 18 Oct, which will see outdoor spaces and iconic buildings transformed by spectacular light works.
Bloomsbury| Inspired by the theme of ‘Breathe’, this year’s Bloomsbury Festival starts today, running until 23 Oct, presenting an inspiring programme of culture, arts, science, literature, performance, discussion, and debate. See outdoor performances from Ensemble Matters & Company Concentric, Arunima Kumar Dance Company, Trans-Siberian March Band, and Impact Dance.
Pontypridd | This evening and tomorrow see Now & Evermore at The Great Western Colliery, an outdoor circus show including light, fire and music for families and the local community. Citrus Arts invites neighbours and friends to experience the structures and grounds of the Great Western Colliery “Hetty Pit” as you’ve never seen them before.
Warrington | The town centre of Warrington will come alive with a host of vibrant, free family events 15-16 Oct for the opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup. Don’t miss The Actual Reality Arcade from Matthew Harrison, Out of the Deep Blue by Autin Dance Theatre, crafty family workshops creating paper puppetry, cardboard cities, sound waves, nature weaving and upcycling, and performances from the Bowjangles Quartet.
City of London | On Saturday the City of London will be transformed with theatre, games, and performances for all ages for The Golden Key. Enjoy music, dance, stories, and street arts at Guildhall, London Wall, and St Paul’s Cathedral Fairs, explore the Maze of Adventures with 12 interactive routes leading to immersive surprises in secret locations, and join The Hunt to find the Heart of the City in a treasure hunt for real.
Tunbridge Wells | Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival returns on Saturday full of joy, imagination, and a few strings! See Circo Rum Ba Ba, Tim Davies Design, Beautiful Creatures Theatre, Fair Play Theatre, Bell and Bullock, Trinity Youth Theatre, and take part in workshops for all the family.
Hastings | At Hastings Storytelling Festival on Sunday be sure to catch Geophonic by Gobbledegook Theatre, a sound art interactive folk ritual to celebrate the rock cycle. Listen and observe the geological processes of the Earth along a guided ritualistic journey, tune into the Anthropocene, and remember that humans are part of nature.
Ilford | Planning to be in Ilford on Sunday? Be sure to stop outside Redbridge Town Hall to see Black Victorians by Jeanefer Jean-Charles, an engaging and curious dance performance that highlights and celebrates the diverse black presence in 19th and early 20th Century Britain. Inspired by nineteenth-century studio photographs of black men, women and children, the piece explores a complex and often forgotten Black presence in pre-Windrush Britain.
Surrey | Head to Polesden Lacey from 20 Oct- 6 Nov for Ignite: Fire and Fantasy, for a magical walk through the gardens at night-time guided by flickering flames and glowing tunnels of trees with magical illuminated installations along the way.
Liverpool | Take a walk at the Liverpool Waterfront from 21 Oct- 6 Nov to see River of Light, an outdoor illuminated gallery of ten artworks across a 2km loop, featuring light and sound from local, national, and international artists, and some brand-new commissions.
Luton | Diwali in Luton, in association with the Mall Luton and Lyca Radio, host Luton Town Centre’s popular Diwali festival on 21-22 Oct in St George’s Square. Featuring live performances from Indian/Bhangra artists and performers, amazing stalls, tasty food, workshops, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
Inverclyde | Galoshans Festival is back, celebrating its 8th year running, from 21-30 Oct. Expect a bumper-packed programme of performances and events, with striking visual arts, guaranteed to capture your imagination and get you in the Halloween spirit. Through the art of storytelling, key highlights of the festival will celebrate Scotland’s history of producing enthralling storytellers and tales that have shaped local and national culture.
