Shining a light on historic buildings
A NEW night-time attraction is set to arrive in Derbyshire this autumn to celebrate two of the county’s most impressive historic buildings.
The Shine a Light project will see illuminations projected onto Chatsworth House and Cromford Mills during the event, which has been organised by Derbyshire County Council.
The “extravaganza of light” will take place over four days in October and will serve to highlight the heritage of some of Derbyshire’s most well-known buildings.
Delivered by internationallyrenowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, the Shine a Light project aims to bring together the whole family and boost the tourism economy in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Barry Lewis, Derbyshire County Council leader and cabinet member for strategic leadership, culture, tourism and climate change, said: “We’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.
“We’ve brought together internationally-known projection artists and a renowned local poet and storyteller to create these fascinating events which are designed for people of all ages to enjoy.
“It is vital we support the local visitor economy to recover following the coronavirus pandemic and we hope in future years to extend Shine A Light to more venues across our county.”
Each outdoor event at Chatsworth House and Cromford Mills will provide visitors with a mixture of the light show and music to create an immersive experience. The show will be broadcast every 20 minutes throughout each evening. Visitors to the Chatsworth experience will be greeted by atmospheric lighting which will illuminate the route to the South Lawn, passing some of the most impressive features in the Chatsworth Garden. A large-scale moving animation will be projected onto the South Front of Chatsworth House.
At Cromford Mills, visitors will have the unique opportunity to see the historic buildings, watercourse and mill yard illuminated by night.
Two buildings will be used as the backdrop to the animation in the Grade I listed mill complex, which is currently celebrating its 250th anniversary, and food and drink will be available in the mill yard and at the canal-side setting of Wheatcroft’s Wharf.
Jo Dilley, managing director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Derbyshire is fortunate to have some of the world’s most significant heritage attractions and Shine A Light offers the fantastic opportunity to see history brought to life in spectacular style against the backdrops of Chatsworth and Cromford Mills.
“Better still, these night-time displays offer the perfect excuse to enjoy all the Peak District & Derbyshire has to offer in autumn, from cosy places to stay to unique places to visit and great local food and drink, supporting the recovery of local businesses in the process.
“These events will be very popular, and we urge everyone to get their tickets as soon as possible.”
The Shine a Light project will be at Chatsworth House on Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23, from 6.30pm, and at Cromford Mills on Thursday, October 28 and Friday, October 29, from 6.30pm.
Tickets are £8 for adults and £6 per child (aged 4-16 inclusive, free for 3 and under).
These unique experiences will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike. Barry Lewis