A festival of light is returning to Scarborough – featuring a fire garden, Aquarium of Light, and star-themed workshops.
The Scarborough Lights festival, which runs from Friday 15 November to Sunday 22 December, will bring spectacular illuminated art installations to the town – showcasing local and international artists.
The festival had its inaugural event last year, and it once again aims to attract more visitors to Scarborough during a traditionally quiet time of year for tourism.
It also aims to continue to place the town’s community at the heart of the festival – and for 2024 there will be 46 community events, building on the 26 community events that were held in 2023.
One of the community events includes residents in 24 streets taking part in the Scarborough live advent calendar, where a different street will be ‘opened’ each evening and illuminated with festive creations.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for arts and culture, Cllr Simon Myers, said: “We have always aimed for Scarborough Lights to become one of the highlights on the national arts calendar, and to do this we want to involve as many of the local communities as possible.
“The use of arts and culture is such an important way of engaging with people, and we want everyone in Scarborough and the surrounding area to share in the excitement of bringing such a significant event to the town.
“I would urge everyone to join in with the community events and also to come along to see such a diverse and impressive range of artworks on display.”
We’ve put together a guide to seven of the highlights for the festival. To see the full programme, visit the Scarborough Fair website.
Seven highlights for the Scarborough Lights Festival
Reflections
A unique collection of three distinct installations by Scarborough-based creators Animated Objects, Adrian Riley and Astro Dog, each with a theme of contemplation within a beautiful, historic setting of St Mary’s Church. The installations will feature illuminated tree branches, glowing neon words, an interactive exhibition of astrophotography images and timelapse photography videos, and an immersive 360 degree planetarium dome.
- St Mary’s Church, Castle Rd, Scarborough YO11 1TH
- Fri 15 Nov – Sun 1 Dec
- Entry times between 5-8pm
- From £5 (PWYW)
- Book here
Ships Ahoy!
Come and enjoy the sight of the glittering, gleaming vessels in Scarborough Harbour to brighten up your festive season! A well-loved annual community activity created by the owners of boats of all sizes: fishing vessels, yachts, cruisers and speed boats. Don’t miss the illumination of the Lighthouse as well Organised by the Scarborough Yacht Club and across the fishing community.
- Scarborough Harbour, Scarborough, YO11 1PD
- Fri 15 Nov – Sun 22 Dec
- From 4pm
- Free
- More info
The Land We See
The artworks & short film will take the viewer along on a visual & sonic experience from the point of perspective of a person who is visually impaired. The viewer will walk through an illuminated visual eye elements set in the treeline alongside soundscape interpretations of various visual impairments. Viewers can also watch and listen to a specially made short film highlighting the impacts of Visual Impairments and in particular Charles Bonnet Syndrome.
- Start from Dean Road Cemetery entrance, Scarborough, YO12 7QS
- Fri 15 Nov – Sun 22 Dec
- From 4pm
- Free
- More info
Wizarding Workshops: Capture the Stars
Come and capture the cosmos and master the magical art of light manipulation in this fantasy-filled Wizarding Workshop, where we will make a personalised set of glow in the dark stars. Get creative and learn the basics of moulding and casting, while creating something fun and magical to take home, like a set of stars for your wall or a set of bespoke jewellery.
- Gallery 33, 33 Newborough, Scarborough YO11 1NF
- Sat 16 – Sun 17 Nov
- Sessions between 12-3pm
- From £5 (PWYW)
- Book here
Aquarium of Light – Installation
The Aquarium of Light will transform the bandstand at the beautiful Sun Court at the Scarborough Spa into a community light installation with themes from the sea. Featuring as its centrepiece a sculpture commissioned from a local artist, five large panels, inspired by ideas such as Erosion, Preservation, Rescue and Reflection and produced by local community groups will create an inspiring and striking scene.
- Scarborough Spa Sun Court, South Bay, Scarborough YO11 2HD
- Thu 5 – Sat 14 Dec
- From 4pm
- Free
- More info
Charity Christmas Tractor Run in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance
All sizes of tractors, decorated with festive lights and adornments will leave Moor Farm at Cloughton (YO13 0DU) at approx. 6pm and travel to Burniston, Newby, Peasholm & along the Foreshore before returning to Moor Farm via Cloughton village where they will partake of a Hog Roast Supper and hold a charity auction and raffle.
- Depart from Moor Farm at Cloughton, YO13 0DU
- Fri 6 Dec
- From 6pm
- Free
- More info
South Cliff Fire Garden
Come and discover an enchanting garden of fire and light, with 225 candles in Scarborough’s Victorian Rose Garden. Also featuring live fire performances, Moroccan lanterns, kaleidoscope lighting and a star walk. Food and drink available.
- South Cliff Rose Garden, Scarborough, YO11 2AY
- Wed 18 – Sun 22 Dec
- Entry times between 5-8:30pm
- From £6.50
- Book here