Bright Winter Nights Returns To Bolsover
Bright Winter Nights Returns To Bolsover
The sell-out event returns this November for two magical evenings of light, art and community creativity Bright Winter Nights will return to Bolsover Castle this November, transforming the town’s iconic landmark with spectacular light installations, projections, soundscapes and interactive artworks across two magical evenings.
Launched in 2023 by Junction Arts, Bright Winter Nights has quickly become a much-loved highlight of the winter calendar. Each year, the event brings a brand-new collection of artworks to the castle, creating an immersive experience that celebrates local creativity while bringing the community together.
For 2026, the theme is “Speak My Voice”, with every artwork co-created alongside community groups from Bolsover. Working with professional artists, local people are helping to shape the installations and tell their own stories, ensuring their perspectives and voices take centre stage.
All of this year’s installations will be newly created for Bright Winter Nights 2026. The programme will also feature 50 Stories, a special project celebrating Junction Arts’ 50th birthday. The piece will bring together stories from people who have shaped, and been shaped by, the charity over the past five decades.
Following overwhelming demand for previous events, Junction Arts will once again run Bright Winter Nights across two evenings, giving more people the opportunity to experience the spectacular show. Tickets will remain affordable, costing £3 for adults, £2 for children and free for under-twos.
The event takes place on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 November, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, with a dedicated quiet session from 4.30pm to 5pm.
Kylie North, Project Manager at Junction Arts, said: “We’re delighted to bring Bright Winter Nights back to Bolsover for a fourth year. While visitors can expect the high-quality projections, mapping and interactive experiences that have become part of the event, everything they see this year will be brand new.
“What makes 2026 particularly special is that the artworks have been created with local community groups, giving people from Bolsover the opportunity to share their stories and shape how their community is represented. If you’ve joined us in previous years, you can expect something completely new; these installations won’t have been seen anywhere else.”
Joel Wileman from Bolsover Castle said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Bright Winter Nights back to Bolsover Castle. It has become one of our favourite events of the year, bringing people of all ages together to experience the castle in a completely different way.
“The focus on local voices and creativity makes the event especially meaningful. Bright Winter Nights is a wonderful way to mark the beginning of the festive season in Bolsover, bringing the community together through light, art and celebration.”
Bright Winter Nights 2026 is presented by Junction Arts in partnership with English Heritage and Videoclub, with funding from Arts Council England, Bolsover District Council and Wesco Anixter.
The event forms part of the Bolsover Winter Festival, taking place from 26–28 November, alongside the much-loved Bolsover Christmas Market and Bolsover Lantern Parade – three festive days celebrating creativity, light and community.
Tickets are on sale now: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/bolsover-castle-bright-winter-nights