Derbyshire Youth Club to Illuminate Bolsover Castle with Epic Light Installation
Derbyshire Youth Club to Illuminate Bolsover Castle with Epic Light Installation
Young people from Boza Youth, a Bolsover-based youth club, are collaborating with renowned visual artist Rebecca Smith of Urban Projections to create a major new artwork that will be projected onto the iconic Bolsover Castle as part of the prestigious Bright Winter Nights event on the 27th & 28th of November.
Titled This Is Me Talking, the co-created artwork was commissioned by Junction Arts in partnership with Videoclub and will be the large-scale, centrepiece of Bright Winter Nights — an immersive light experience that draws thousands to Bolsover Castle each year.
Working with Urban Projections, the group explored what matters most to them — friendship, family, music, laughter and the small moments that bring joy to everyday life. From these conversations came original spoken‑word lines, recorded voices and soundscapes that will form the soundtrack for the artwork. The group also helped design the projection visuals, shaping an artwork that tells their story of hope, honesty and togetherness.
The piece will be projected across the Little Castle at Bolsover Castle, one of three new artworks created for this year’s Bright Winter Nights, produced by local arts charity Junction Arts. Visitors can expect a vibrant, atmospheric installation that transforms the castle walls into something magical — a celebration of imagination, pride and place.
Louise Fountain, Bolsover Castle Cluster Manager at English Heritage said: “As autumn settles in and the nights grow longer, this event brings warmth and creativity to the season. We’re proud to be involved again and to see the youth group’s ideas beautifully illuminated on the Little Castle. Bolsover Castle is magical at any time of the year but even more so when Bright Winter Nights is on.”
Rebecca worked with young people aged 10–16 at Boza Youth, a volunteer-run community youth club established to provide a safe, inspiring and positive space for young people in the town.
One participant said, “We’ve spent lots of time putting this together and picking the right music to make the right vibe. This is our work, and we’re excited to get it up at the castle… we’ve never been able to make something like this, and it’s all decided by us.”
Artist Rebecca Smith said, “It’s been amazing to see how open and thoughtful the young people have been. They’ve created something that feels real and full of heart — a piece that celebrates who they are and the things that give life its spark.
“Bright Winter Nights is all about creativity and connection, and it’s been wonderful to see them take pride in seeing their ideas come to life on this scale.”
Councillor Cathy Jeffery, Jnr. Portfolio Holder for Health & Wellbeing at Bolsover District Council, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic for the young people to have their work displayed to thousands of people as part of such a prestigious programme.”
Now in its third year, Bright Winter Nights showcases unheard voices in a celebration of art, technology and community. Each year, the show combines large-scale projections, soundscapes and interactive artworks to transform the castle into a glowing canvas of community spirit and creativity.
This year’s theme is “Hear My Voice”, with all artworks co-created with young people from Bolsover. Other artworks include a project with students from Shirebrook Academy, which is funded by the Bolsover Partnership and ‘Our Digital Tapestry’, a projection-mapped animation inspired by young people from Stubbin Wood School and families attending Neurohub, which was funded by Chesterfield’s Wesco Anixter.
Junction Arts Project Manager, Kylie North, said: “The young people aren’t just taking part — they are leading the creation of the artwork for a major public event at Bolsover Castle, one of Derbyshire’s most iconic heritage sites. It’s a truly unique opportunity to contribute to a much-loved spectacle that celebrates the castle while bringing the stories of the local community to life — and that’s what makes this event so different and so special.”
In response to overwhelming demand, organisers Junction Arts have added an extra evening, giving more people the opportunity to experience the spectacular light show. The event will take place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November, 4.30pm–7.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now, with prices remaining the same as last year £2 per child and £3 per adult. https://tinyurl.com/3tekawnd
This Is Me Talking was commissioned by Junction Arts in partnership with Videoclub and funded by Arts Council England.