Tickets now on sale for spectacular ‘Shine a Light’ events in Chesterfield

Summer may just be getting into full swing but people are urged to book ahead for a series of spectacular large-scale projections that will light up Derbyshire landmarks with a unique fusion of music, visuals and sound this autumn/winter.

Tickets are now on sale for a series of magical night-time displays that will be projected on to four heritage venues when Shine A Light returns for the second year from September 2022 to February 2023.

The large-scale projections taking place in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire include Barrow Hill Roundhouse and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall.

Events will also take place at Cromford Mills in Matlock and Derby’s Elvaston Castle.

Providing an after-dark experience for the whole family, the events will bring together awe-inspiring animations and live musical performances in stunning audio-visual displays centred around the themes of climate change and water.

The cutting-edge projections are unique to each venue and visitors who watch all four displays – and successfully spot the ‘hidden animal’ at each – will have the fantastic opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a hamper of local produce.

In addition to the large-scale projections, visitors will also be able to enjoy entertainment and food and drink throughout each evening for a fun-filled experience to remember.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy in the wake of the pandemic.

The events have been commissioned by Derbyshire County Council following a successful pilot in 2021 when Shine A Light displays held at Chatsworth and Cromford Mills were enjoyed by more than 3,200 visitors.

Each event culminates in a large-scale projection every 20 minutes throughout each evening at:

• Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable, on Thursday 8 December and Friday 9 December from 17:00
• Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s, owned by the National Trust, on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February from 17:30
• Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 27 October and Friday 28 October from 18:30
• Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Saturday 19 November and Sunday 20 November from 17:30

Tickets for the large-scale projections are £9 for adults and £6 per child (aged 4-16 inclusive, free for 3 and under).

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light

Follow #ShineALightDerbyshire on social media.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re tremendously proud of what we achieved with Shine A Light last year and looking forward to a bigger and better programme this year with more venues added, each with their own story to tell as part of this spectacular ‘anthology’.

“With the visitor economy still feeling the after-effects of the pandemic, it’s vital that we support its recovery in Derbyshire and we’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Derbyshire is fortunate to have some of the world’s most significant heritage attractions and this year’s Shine A Light programme promises to be even bigger and better, providing magical after-dark entertainment for both visitors and residents alike.

“Each venue has its own story to tell and not only do these large-scale projections bring local history and their communities to life, they also offer the perfect opportunity to do something different with friends and family as the nights draw in.

“We urge people to book their tickets as soon as possible and to enjoy not just one, but multiple shows for an unforgettable experience to remember. Events like this are so important as they help to protect and preserve historical and cultural sites – and will continue to stimulate community initiatives in the future.”

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.