Illuminate the Night: A Festival Celebrating the National Coal Mining Museum

This complimentary event is set to delight guests of all ages on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 22, 23, and 24.

Schedule: Friday, November 22, opening event from 4pm to 8pm; Saturday, November 23, all day; Sunday, November 24, from 5pm, featuring carols at Hope Pit and a Lantern Parade at 5:40pm.

For comprehensive details, head to www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/light-up.

This year’s festival is an unmissable occasion, boasting a dazzling collection of light installations, including enchanting projections by Yorkshire artist Fabric Lenny.

Utilizing illustrations and animations, he has vividly revived the history of mining through vibrant and striking artwork.

Projections will depict canaries, pit ponies, and local fauna showcased against the museum’s iconic architecture.

A notable highlight of the festival is the introduction of the captivating Sentinel sculpture. Inspired by the canaries used in coal mining, it represents hope and fortitude.

Sentinel is an expansive, immersive creation by Studio Vertigo. Its sweeping curves evoke the protective wings of a canary, reflecting Wakefield’s celebrated coal mining history. At the National Coal Mining Museum, canaries hold significant importance, having saved countless lives within the mines.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in an innovative VR experience, facilitated by the Wakefield-based arts organization One to One Development, which employs film, game design, XR, and other creative methodologies to collaborate with communities.

This immersive experience makes the history of coal mining engaging and interactive.

‘Revealed – The Pit Camp’ invites attendees to delve into the memories and narratives surrounding the 84/85 Miners Strike using VR technology. Archival film, audio accounts, soundscapes, and historical documentation breathe life into this critical historical event, maintaining its relevance for today’s audiences.

To enhance the festive atmosphere, Santa will make a remarkable appearance, arriving at the museum to embark on his journey underground. He will visit families, distribute gifts, and collect Christmas wishes until his return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

This festival, funded by Wakefield Council through the Connecting Culture initiative as part of the Light Up Wakefield series for Our Year 2024, will feature numerous pop-up activities, including fire artists, storytelling sessions, caroling, and performances by Hade Edge Brass Band.

A variety of food and beverages will be available from the café and stalls, allowing guests to savor delicious treats and drinks to stay warm and comfortable.

Holiday shoppers are invited to find distinctive gifts, with an assortment of Yorkshire-themed products available in the museum shop.

The three-day celebration will culminate in a spectacular lantern parade on Sunday, November 24, beginning at 5pm.

The evening will be aglow with lanterns of all shapes and sizes, crafting a stunning procession that will illuminate the night sky.

These lanterns have been created by local community members, including museum volunteers and school children. This event will provide an opportunity for people to come together with their vibrant creations while accompanied by the Hade Edge Brass Band.

Lynn Dunning, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum England, stated: “We are thrilled to welcome visitors near and far to the Museum for our annual Light Up Festival.”

“It’s crucial that we honor our rich coal mining heritage, and this will be brought alive through brilliant light displays, interactive experiences, and festive amusements. It’s a magical way to usher in the holiday season and an ideal opportunity to learn more about our history.”

“We eagerly anticipate sharing this captivating experience with families and friends during what promises to be an extraordinary three-day event.

For additional information, visit www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/light-up.

The Museum is currently commemorating the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike with its latest exhibition titled 84/85: The Longest Year.

This exhibition examines the strike through the recollections and stories of miners and their families, providing a broader perspective on the event and amplifying the voices of those who lived through it. This nearly year-long exhibition aligns with the anniversary, concluding 40 years after miners returned to work, on March 3, 2025.

VIEW THE TOUR: Explore the complimentary 3D virtual tour by clicking on the image below, and also visit the museum’s website at www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/84-85.

The museum operates Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm (winter hours until March 24) and 10am to 5pm (summer hours commencing March 27).

Admission to the museum is free; however, as it is an independent charity, donations are welcomed.

READ MORE:

National Coal Mining Museum secures £20k funding to enhance

Gift A Child A Festive Experience at the National Coal Mining Museum

PREVIEW: Grimethorpe Colliery Band to perform at National Coal Mining Museum

VIRTUAL TOUR: 84/85 miners’ strike exhibition is now also available as a free 3D interactive online experience

Dig into summer at the National Coal Mining Museum

Brass Band Summer Series: Free weekend concerts at National Coal Mining Museum

Checkmate! Rare miners’ strike chess set featured at National Coal Mining Museum

National Coal Mining Museum for England appoints John Tanner as Head of Masterplan

TripAdvisor ranks National Coal Mining Museum as a top England Hidden Gem Attraction

VIRTUAL TOUR: Martyn Pitt A Life in Photography at National Coal Mining Museum for England.

NCMME LINKS:

Website: www.ncm.org.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NCMME

X: @ncmme

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ncmme

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ncmme_miningmuseum

Tripadvisor: www.tripadvisor.co.uk