Here is your Outdoor Arts roundup – find out what’s happening over the next few weeks…

Canterbury | Until 4 Nov | Canterbury Festival for a two-week extravaganza of music, performance, talks, family events, science and more in the heart of Kent.

Lancaster | Until 4 Nov | Light Up Lancaster is a free family festival of light and art. This year’s theme of ‘The Art of Words’, invites you to journey through a vivid light festival and discover playful illuminations, vibrant artworks and plenty of interactive experiences, all of which shine a light on complex subject material. Brought to you by Light Up The North, with work from Illuminos, imitating the dog, Ludus Dance, Stephane Masson, Stevie Thompson & Custom Fiber and more!

Bradford | Until 4 Nov | BD Is LIT returns again to bathe the district in a series of beautiful light shows. The city centre will come alive with unique light and sound installations, celebrating the work of local, national and international artists, such as The Colour Project, Picto Facto, Jim Mitcham & Geoff Kendal, Atelier Sisu, Deepa Mann-Kler, Nikki & JD and Lost Dog Dance, Whispered Tales, The Kazimier, Summat Creative, Tom Biddulph, Axolotl Creative, Nutkhut, Mez Galaria, Cecil Green Arts, Sarah Blackburn and more!

Liverpool | Until 5 Nov | River of Light is an outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool Waterfront, a 2KM loop, featuring light and sound from local, national and international artists. There will be 11 artworks created by artists from all over the world, including Ukrainian Dream by Tais Poda, This Is Loop, Atelier Sisu, Amigo & Amigo, Studio Vertigo and more!

U.S. | Until 5 Nov | The Walk (Little Amal) is going on tour to more than 100 free and open-to-the-public Events of Welcome as she journeys joyously across the United States. More than 1000 artists and arts organizations of every kind will come together to create a travelling festival of art and hope, sharing Amal’s urgent message to the world: ‘Don’t forget about us…’

Milton Keynes | Until 25 Feb | Land of Lights South takes place in Milton Keynes, with 12 incredible worlds inspired by legendary fairytales and iconic characters. From Peter Pan to Gulliver’s Travels, light up your imagination this winter with spectacular lantern displays.

Lincoln | 3 Nov | Autumn Lights is a night of entertainment including music, a family funfair, delicious street food and Lincoln’s biggest firework display. There’ll also be performances from Worldbeaters, fire performers and an illuminated walkabout.

London | 4 Nov | Black Victorians at The British Museum is a performance by Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE which explores a complex but often forgotten black presence in pre-Windrush Britain, calling attention to previously hidden figures and challenging perceptions old and new.

Somerset | 4-18 Nov | The Somerset Carnivals are highly regarded as the largest illuminated processions in the world – get ready for an explosion of colour, light, music and dance when carnival season arrives!

  • Bridgwater Sat 4 Nov (6pm)
  • Burnham on Sea Mon 6 Nov (7pm)
  • Weston super Mare Fri 10 Nov (7pm)
  • North Petherton Sat 11 Nov (7pm)
  • Midsomer Norton Mon 13 Nov (7.30pm)
  • Shepton Mallet Wed 15 Nov (7.30pm)
  • Wells Fri 17 Nov (7pm)
  • Glastonbury Sat 18 Nov (6.45pm)

Sheffield, Norfolk | 5 & 11 Nov | Autumn Lights is bringing our touring firework display to a city near you in November 2023. Don’t miss Spark! by Worldbeaters, LED Drummers, Glowing Roaming Performers, Live Fire Performers DJ Ryan Swain, Symphonic Ibiza, & spectacular fireworks and laser finale!

Twickenham | 11 Nov | Diwali at Marble Hill is an evening celebrating the Festival of Lights, expect illuminations, dancers, Dhol Drummers, giant puppets and more. Discover a world of light, culture, and community with English Heritage in partnership with Nutkhut. You can also get involved with lantern making workshops!

Norfolk | 11 Nov-24 Dec | Luminate Sandringham nestled deep within Sandringham Estate, is a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue to delight and enthral your senses. As darkness descends, join them on their enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the Royal Parkland at Sandringham.

Warrington | 11 Nov-25 Feb | Land of Lights Warrington illuminates Gulliver’s World Resort in a whole new light! Discover gigantic lanterns, mesmerizing light installations and festival vibes, with 12 dream worlds to explore inspired by animal kingdoms, mega monuments, and seasonal celebrations.

London | 11 Nov | The Lord Mayor’s Show is the oldest, longest, least rehearsed and best loved civic procession in the world. It is an ancient statement of London’s independence, a medieval display of pomp and pageantry and a modern celebration of our strength and diversity.

Leicester | 12 Nov | Diwali Day, where visitors can enjoy a programme of music and dance on Belgrave Road’s main stage with an aerial fireworks display. Exciting new additions will be brought to the event by Inspirate with support from Arts Council England. Look out for Ancient Giants roaming the street, rickshaws, lantern processions and live entertainment from multiple stages.

Scarborough | 15 Nov-23 Dec | Scarborough Lights is the first event in The Scarborough Fair programme and will see the whole town sparkle and shine from 15 November through to 23 December, with many free light displays to enjoy. The event launches with a fabulous drone display over the stunning Scarborough Castle and there will be a brand-new winter lights trail that will see Peasholm Park illuminated like never before.

Greater Manchester | 15 Nov-30 Dec | RHS Garden Bridgewater Bring all the family for a magical evening, where the garden will be filled with breathtaking illuminations lighting your way on the spectacular Glow trail, a stunning halo light show by Jago Juggling Arts, as they create mind-blowing effects that the whole family will love and magnificent trees and shrubs bathed in a spectrum of light.

Durham | 16-19 Nov | Lumiere is the UK’s leading light art biennial festival and returns to Durham this November led by world-renowned artists Ai Weiwei and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. The programme is the biggest yet, featuring over 40 installations and extending beyond the city to Bishop Auckland. Produced by Artichoke, and commissioned and funded by Durham County Council.

Wigan | 16-18 Nov | Light Night Wigan Prepare to be mesmerized, where familiar spaces are turned into an enchanted landscape of colour with interactive light installations from our community, alongside internationally acclaimed artists including Kathy Hinde, Illumaphonium, Studio Toer, Jonny Godsmark, Sound Intervention, Jack Wimperis, Lou Chapelle, Stellar Projects, Pif Paf, Ian Douglas, Wild Rumpus, Fettle And Fable Theatre, and A Bird In The Hand Theatre.

Gainsborough | 17-18 Nov | Marshall’s Yard is hosting a Christmas Lights Festival on the 17th & 18th November to celebrate the start of the festive season. The site will be festively dressed and glimmering with that Christmas essence and Magic!

Chester Zoo | 17 Nov-31 Dec | Lanterns and Light – bigger, better and brighter than ever – you will discover never-seen-before light and sound experiences that will surround you in festive magic. Bigger, better and brighter than ever – you will discover never-seen-before light and sound experiences that will surround you in festive magic.

West Yorkshire | 17-26 Nov | It’s back! Light Up Wakefield will return this autumn with a series of events lighting up the district to coincide with the start of the festive season. Look out for Light Up events across the district including Christmas light switch-ons, festive markets, street entertainment, choirs and more.

Bradford | 18 Nov | The World Without Death R&D Showing is a very special evening exclusively for close friends, partners and potential programmers of Displace Yourself Theatre, to introduce you to their sassy new outdoor travelling show and co-creation project. Part Theatre. Part Gig. Part Revolt. It’s a devilish carnival and you’re invited!

Hounslow | 18 Nov | Hounslow’s much loved annual Winter Lights parade brings people together from all over the borough who have made lanterns with artists, Same Sky, in the weeks leading up to the event. On the night, hundreds of people carrying lanterns create a spectacular procession through the town centre, leading to a finale performance at Bell Square. In collaboration with Cohesion Plus and funded by Heathrow Community Trust’s Communities Together.

Wales | 22 Nov-31 Dec | Luminate Wales returns to Margam Country Park and Castle this Winter! This spectacular, illuminated trail is full of wonder and intrigue to delight and enthral your senses.

Horsham | 24 Nov-21 Dec | Leonardslee Illuminated – produced by Robin Morley, walk through the beautiful grounds of Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens as they come to life with spellbinding illuminations, projections and interactive installations. Experience the gardens awash with light, sound, and colour and feast on wonderful seasonal food and drink.

Knutsford | 24 Nov-23 Dec | Yuletide is an incredible glittering adventure produced by Wild Rumpus at Tatton Park Gardens this Christmas – fall into a world of folklore, festive tradition and rituals as the characters and creatures from winter myths and stories come to life! Expect an incredible illuminated trail with winter witch goddesses and shapeshifting snow hares, dance to wild folk bands, crown your family’s ‘Lord of Misrule’ and gather round the fire for wondrous tales.

Devizes | 24-25 Nov | Devizes Winter Festival includes a Lantern Parade, Window Wanderland & Shambles Installation to this year’s theme of ‘Look to the Future’. Enjoy The Makery Market, outdoor festive stalls and lantern making workshops, produced by DOCA.

Coventry | 24 Nov-2 Jan | Luminate Coombe is a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, which will delight and enthral your senses. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising mile-long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.

Doncaster | 24 Nov-3 Dec |  This year Doncaster Festival of Light (Right Up Our Street) will showcase three artworks from Universal Everything inside the Minster of St George. For the opening weekend only there will be additional artworks on the grounds of the Minster.

Barnsley | 24-25 Nov | Barnsley Bright Nights is a three-day winter lights festival featuring illuminating artworks, performances and happenings across the town centre. It all starts with the Christmas lights switch-on, featuring a spectacular festive projection in The Glass Works Square. Follow the Light Art Trail at venues across the town centre and enjoy the big illuminated parade for our fantastic finale! Enjoy work from Illuminos, Ian McMillan, Kazimier Productions, Fettle and Fable Theatre, We Great Ladies, Pif-Paf Theatre, and more!

Hartlepool | 24-26 Nov | Wintertide Festival will be kickstarting the winter season and taking over the historical Headland with three days of artistic programming that surprises and delights, transforming spaces and places to encourage people to see the every day in a different way. Take part in lantern making workshops with Whippet Up CIC!

Birmingham | 25 Nov-2 Jan | As darkness descends, Luminate Birmingham will take you on an enchanting journey along a captivating light trail through the stunning, historic grounds of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising almost mile-long trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.

Ashford | 25 Nov | The spectacular Carnival of the Baubles will return once again to light up Ashford Town Centre for its big festive celebration. The stunning night-time parade, sponsored by Ashford College, and featuring hundreds of school children and community groups, has been carefully crafted by outdoor arts specialists Emergency Exit Arts. This year’s enchanted forest theme display will be led by Farrah the Fox, a huge 5-meter tall mechanical puppet that will roam the streets on her scooter.

Dundee | 25 Nov | Dundee Hooley takes to the streets with family-friendly activities including performances from Pyro Celtica, bubble fun with Poppy Bubbles and music live on stage. There’ll be a torchlit parade led by The Lord Provost along with community groups and performers from Thingumajig Theatre, Urban Moves and Brass Aye? .

Llanarthne | 29 Nov-24 Dec | Luminate National Botanic Garden of Wales is a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses returns to National Botanic Garden of Wales this winter!

Middlesbrough | 29 Nov-3 Dec | Nightfall is a magical outdoor event produced by Stellar Projects for families at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough with a trail of colourful and engaging light artworks complemented by music, storytelling and performance. As the trail comes to an end, visitors enter a dwelling space where they can listen to live music, participate in hands-on workshop activities, take a break and share some warming refreshments with their friends and family.

Hampshire | 30 Nov-31 Dec | Light Up Trails is set to transform Sir Harold Hillier Gardens yet again, shining bigger and brighter than ever before – immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable, magical light trail experience like no other, for the whole family! You’ll find spellbinding lasers in Himalayan Valley, a multi-sensory, spectacular light show around the pond and a mirrored world that will enliven the senses. The shimmering Winter Wonderland presents the perfect opportunity to snap a selfie with giant illuminated reindeer, snowdrops and icicles.

Bolton | 30 Nov-9 Dec | Put Big Light On is a light festival where you’ll get to experience the mysterious Northern Lights over Victoria Square, see the moon up close and immerse yourself in a world of colourful and interactive artwork. There will be installations created by artists from around the world including Borealis by Dan Acher, Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram, Stringed by Gijs Van Boon, Sound Intervention, Projector Bikes by Dan Fox Sound and Evanescent by Atelier Sisu.

Walton Gardens | 30 Nov-24 Dec | Luminate Cheshire is a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.

Saltaire | 1 Dec-1 Jan | This year, the Saltaire Living Advent Calendar has 56 windows that will open in the run-up to Christmas, with traditional and modern festive scenes, quirky characters and tales influenced by Saltaire, culture, and the window creators’ own lives and experiences – often with a good sprinkling of festive humour!

Nottingham | 1 Dec-1 Jan | Christmas At Wollaton is back with a brand new light trail, bringing colour, lights and interactive play as you immerse yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer. Surprises are around every corner, and festive food, warming cocktails and picture perfect moments add to the exciting and unique spectacle that will have you captivated as you enjoy a magical Christmas with family, friends and loved ones at this seasonal classic with a contemporary twist.

Deal | 1 Dec-1 Jan | Expect the unexpected at Christmas at Walmer Castle and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you immerse yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer.

Silsoe | 1 Dec-1 Jan | Expect the unexpected at Christmas at Wrest Park and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you immerse yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer.

Eltham | 1 Dec-1 Jan | Christmas at Eltham Palace is a brand new, interactive light trial for 2023 set to bring colour, light and play to South East London this December! Expect the unexpected and allow the Christmas spirit to take over as you immerse yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer.

Hampstead | 1 Dec-1 Jan | Christmas at Kenwood is back with a brand new light trial for 2023, bringing colour, lights and interactive play to Kenwood this December as you immerse yourself in a world of seasonal sparkle and festive cheer.

Wolverhampton | 1 Dec-1 Jan | Luminate Wolverhampton is a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.

Stafford | 1-24 Dec | Luminate Shugborough is a spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.