Light Works is set to return to West Cumbria this winter.
Over 10,000 people visited the festival of light at Workington Hall and organisers have announced that it will return to the town on December 6 and December 7 and Seascale on December 13 and December 14.
The spectacular event transformed the ancient hall into a glittering wonderland, covered in colourful projections created by artists.
It used hundreds of symbols, drawn from Workington’s rich cultural and industrial heritage and contemporary landscape, to make them interact with each other in a vibrant orbiting constellation.
Organisers Everyone Here said this year’s events promised to be even bigger and more community-driven, with schools and local groups joining the celebrations to launch each festival with a lantern parade.
Community groups have also been invited to design light projections that will be transformed into illuminated sculptures by Fluid Productions.
In Seascale, the light festival will shine alongside the Christmas Tree Festival at St Cuthbert’s Church.
Both Light Works events are free to attend and open to all.
While there is no need to book, visitors will have the opportunity to support the events through donations, helping to keep these illuminating celebrations accessible for everyone.
Light Works is made possible thanks to the support of Arts Council England, Cumberland Council, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Workington and the Mid
Copeland GDF Community Partnership in Seascale.
Lantern-making workshops
Join artist Celia Burbush for a series of relaxed, family-friendly drop-in lantern-making workshops, where you can create your very own unique wicker lantern to carry in the opening lantern parade.
They take place at:
- Moorclose Community Centre, Workington: Saturday November 15, 10am to 3pm
- Helena Thompson Museum, Workington: Wednesday November 19m 4pm to 6pm, Thursday November 20, 4pm to 6pm and Saturday November 22, 10am to 3pm
- St Cuthbert’s Church, Seascale: Saturday November 29 10am to 3pm
Help shape the sound of Light Works
Artist, clarinettist, and composer Jack McNeill is crafting a unique sound and storytelling experience for Light Works 2025 – and he needs your help to make it happen.
Jack has a few questions to inspire his creative process, and your answers will help shape what he creates for the festival:
- Can you remember your happiest winter?
- Does winter in West Cumbria hold a particular feeling for you because of the place?
- What does togetherness look like to you in winter?
- Can you think of a positive action you notice in the community during winter?
- What does love in the community sound like at winter?
- Is winter peaceful for you?
Send your answers via WhatsApp to 07522 849071
