Workington Hall and its parklands are about to come alive with music and sparkle at the venue’s first Winter Light and Sound event.
From 6pm to 9pm on December 3 and December 4, the historic building and its surroundings will be transformed into a magical illuminated wonderland. Visitors will be able to wander through the footpaths amid a soundscape of music created with schoolchildren and two community choirs.
The event is being organised by Allerdale Borough Council using the skills of Workington-based Soundwave and Cockermouth’s Fluid Productions. The team will create a trail of illumination, against a backdrop of singing and ambient music, bringing even more Christmas cheer to the town.
The experience is free and refreshments will be available.
Councillor Mike Johnson, Leader of Allerdale Borough Council, said: “We want everyone to come and explore the parkland, either discovering a new venue on their doorstep, or reacquainting themselves with a place they haven’t been to in a while, and what better way to do it than with loads of festive sparkle?
“It’s been great to see the community come together for this event too, with choirs from St John’s community centre and Rosehill theatre, and the children of Ashfield Primary School taking their inspiration from Christmas poetry to create the soundscape.”
Mark Jenkinson, MP and chair of the Workington Hall Steering Group, added: “Workington Hall and its parklands holds significant historical and cultural importance to Workington and the surrounding areas. Indeed, saving the Hall was the issue that first brought me into politics.
“I hope that this event is going to attract visitors from miles around. The hall and the parklands are going to look fabulous and this will be such a great showcase for this historic building. It’s always fantastic to see the hall being brought back to life once more.”
Visitors to the Workington Hall Light and Sound event are asked to wear sensible footwear and bring a torch.
The council is also encouraging local businesses to support the event so that those attending can remain in the town for a drink, a meal or some shopping.
Workington’s Christmas lights were switched on November 20, courtesy of Workington Town Council, and there will be another opportunity to get into the festive spirit on December 18 and December 19 with a Christmas market in the town centre.
This is another Allerdale Borough Council event and will feature a host of food, drink and craft producers, as well as a ‘social village’ with local outreach projects sharing their care and expertise. The Rotary club will also be hosting Santa’s grotto over each December weekend.