This winter, Workington will be all a glow with Hall Park Light Works – a spectacular new Cumberland Council Light District event bringing seasonal sparkle to West Cumbria.
Taking place on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December, this enchanting event for all the family will transform Hall Park in Workington into a glittering wonderland after dark.
Workington Hall will be covered in colourful projections created by artist Ronan Devlin. Ronan is using 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. His piece is called Workington Cosmos.
Artist Hannah Fox is taking inspiration from Workington’s history in manufacturing world class rails in her installation Iron Horse Junction. Expect to go on a journey through the park, passing railway signals and being guided by live performers who are fantasy railway workers.
Adding extra sparkle to proceedings is Dan Fox’s Glittering Grove where specks of light dance across trees and paths and his magical Luminosi Tree sits proudly in the centre of the park.
Fluid Productions will also be dressing the landscape with their collection of theatrical lights.
Washing over the park will be a number of soundscapes featuring music from artist Ant Dickinson, Dan Fox and Workington Town Brass Band, who were recorded recently with the help of technicians from The Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre,
Hot food and drink will also be on hand to keep everyone warm and the West Cumbria Guild of Model Engineers will be running passenger carriages on the miniature railway track throughout the event.
The event is free to attend – no ticket is required, so you can just turn up. Everybody is welcome to join the fun!
“I love working across my home region, from streets to hilltops, beaches to towns, so an opportunity to create and present in Workington at this fantastic event was not to be missed. This festival is slap bang in the town and is really accessible and central to the Workington winter celebrations and I am excited to be a part of such an important occasion in the Workington calendar. ” – Hannah Fox
“I love making work that’s both about and has an effect on a place. This is a great project as there is such a rich cultural history to draw from in Workington and the hall setting is a stunning canvas to tell stories on.” – Ronan Devlin
How long will the it take?
The experience is around 30 minutes from start to end. But don’t forget to allow extra time to make a pitstop for food and drink and to take a ride on the model passenger railway too!
What is the recommended route through the park for Hall Park Light Works?
We ask visitors to make their way to the Horse Close Entrance adjacent to Horse Close car park and skate park to experience Hall Park Light Works in full. Please note the Ladies Walk entrance will be an exit only for the period of the event.
Where can I park?
They’ll be free parking at Workington Academy on both days.
Plus there is free parking at Brow Top, Brow Top Annex, Allerdale House and Elizabeth Street 11am to 7pm on the Saturday to coincide with Workington Christmas lights switch on. Anything after this time will be charged.
Other Workington car parks are:
- Multi-storey car park
- Leisure Centre car park
- Horse Close Skate Park
Please note that Central Car Park is closed whilst building works are taking place and that the Multi Storey Car Park will close at 7pm.
Is there public transport nearby?
Workington Railway Station is 20 mins walk away and Workington Bus Station is 10 mins walk away. The nearest cycle parking is located in Horse Close Skate Park.
Is it accessible?
The paths are wide and hard standing – it’s pram and wheelchair friendly. The recommended route sticks to the tarmac path at all times.
There are disabled parking bays in Horse Close Skate Park (right next to the main entrance of the event).
There will be some flashing lights and sound (although background) so if any of these are triggering please be aware.
We will also have some tables and chairs around to rest weary legs when needed.
Will there be toilets at the event?
Yes. There will be toilets on site including an accessible toilet. These will be located centrally close to the walled garden.
Can I bring my dog to the event?
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Please note that they must be comfortable with large crowds, flashing lights and loud noises.
Hall Park Light Works is a free outdoor event taking place on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December between 5:30pm – 8:30pm both evenings. No ticket is required, so you can just turn up. Everybody is welcome to join the fun.
