Light Up Festival

Join us for our Christmas launch weekend as the Museum comes to life with a stunning light show including a showstopping centrepiece, ‘Sentinel’, inspired by coal mining’s canaries. The man with the bag, Santa returns to collect coal for his stockings, and to kick off his grotto meetings with lucky visitors Underground.

Over the weekend enjoy pop-up activities, brass band and choir performances, plus plenty of festive treats including Santa himself! Get crafty with our lantern making workshops over the weekend ready for Sunday’s unmissable lantern parade.

Throughout the weekend’s festivities, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of tasty food and drink. Our Shop will also be stocked with plenty of Christmas gift ideas and treats for all ages, with a 10% discount over the weekend.

Friday 22 November – Launch Event – 4pm-8pm
4pm – Event opens with Christmas food stalls and Christmas shopping
The buildings will be lit up with animation from 4pm
Throughout the evening:
Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space at The Hub
Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard at The Hub
Light Up Trail at The Hub
4pm – The Usherette (shadow puppet show)
4.45pm – Choir at Courtyard
5.20pm – The Usherette (shadow puppet show)
5.30pm – Brass Band at Pit Yard
6pm – Welcome Santa to Caphouse
6.20pm – The Usherette (shadow puppet show)
6.30pm – Photo opportunities with Santa
6.45pm – Brass Band
8pm – Site closes

Saturday 23 November – 10am-6pm
10am – Site opens and Santa Underground sessions begin
Throughout the day:
Christmas food stalls and Christmas shopping opportunities
Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space at The Hub
Revealed The Pit Camp VR Experience (10.30am – 3.30pm)
Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard, Mining Lives Gallery at The Hub
Light Up Trail at The Hub
4pm – Light Up of buildings and animation at Pit Yard
6pm – Site closes

Sunday 24 November – 10am-7pm (Lantern Parade – 5.40pm)
10am – Site Opens and Santa Underground sessions begin
Throughout the day:
Christmas food stalls and Christmas shopping opportunities
Makers’ Shed – Lantern Making Workshops – Learning Space at The Hub (until 4pm)
Revealed The Pit Camp VR Experience (10.30am – 3.30pm)
Living History Performances – Parkinson’s Yard, Mining Lives Gallery at The Hub
Light Up Trail at The Hub
1pm – 4pm – Brass Band performances at Pit Yard
4pm – Lantern pick-up opens
4pm – Light Up of buildings and animation at Pit Yard
4.30pm – Brass Band performances at Hope Pit
5pm – Carols at Hope Pit
5.40pm – Lantern Parade led by Hade Edge Brass Band
6pm – Fire artist performance at Pit Yard
7pm – Site closes

Timings subject to change.

Please note that the Museum car park will close once we reach our parking capacity, please arrive early to avoid disappointment. For our visitors safety, no vehicles can leave site while the lantern parade is taking place.

Pit Yard Projections by Fabric Lenny. Hand drawn animation inspired by the workings, history, animals and wildlife associated with the site