New night-time spectacular to Shine A Light on Cromford Mills this half term

The historic Cromford Mills near Matlock will host two nights of magical large-scale projections combining special effects and live music when ‘Shine A Light’ returns with a brand-new display this October half term.

Providing a breathtaking after-dark spectacular of light and sound, the events will transform Arkwright’s mills with cutting-edge projections, moving animations, and live music on Thursday 26^th and Friday 27^th October 2023.

This year’s event at Cromford Mills includes a new projection reflecting on the Mills’ transformation and rebirth since Sir Richard Arkwright’s time – celebrating the return of waterpower, today’s community, and the remarkable nature of the wider UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Visitors will be able to experience an illuminated woodland walk to the historic Mill Yard at Cromford before enjoying an evening of entertainment under the stars with large-scale projections, late-night shopping and food and drink including barbecue and street food, BoozeHound bar, locally-sourced cheese, mulled wine and sweet treats.

Another chapter of Shine A Light will unfold at Elvaston Castle near Derby on 8^th, 9^th and 10^th December 2023 where stunning projections will be complemented by a festive market and seasonal entertainment.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, boost the visitor economy and extend the tourism season during the traditionally quieter autumn and winter months.

Derbyshire County Council has commissioned the events following successful displays in 2021 and 2022 which were enjoyed by thousands of visitors.

Shine A Light includes a large-scale projection every 20 minutes throughout each evening at:

• Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 26^th October and Friday 27^th October from 18:00. Book tickets.
• Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Friday 8^th December, Saturday 9^th December and Sunday 10^th December from 17:00. Book tickets.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £6 per child (aged 4-12 inclusive, free for 3 and under). Family tickets are priced at £28 (two adults and up to three children). Booking fees apply.

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Shine A Light has already entertained thousands of visitors with magical displays and we’re looking forward to a brand new projection at Arkwright’s historic Cromford Mills.

“Not only do these captivating projections bring local history to life, they also offer a great reason for tourists and residents alike to discover some of our great heritage attractions during the typically quieter autumn and winter months.

“Events like this are vital as they help to protect and showcase Derbyshire’s special cultural sites – and we encourage people to book their tickets as soon as possible.”

Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Barry Lewis added: “Shine A Light was launched in 2021 to help support the recovery of the visitor economy following the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re proud of our role in bringing these unique experiences to Derbyshire and look forward to seeing these fantastic events entertain tourists and residents alike again this year.”

ENDS

For all press enquiries, please contact Amy Noton at 07387 141590 or amy.noton@visitpeakdistrict.com

Notes to editors

Illuminos

Illuminos is formed by brothers Matt and Rob Vale, who for over 10 years have created visually inventive projection artworks and experiences. Their works range from large scale illumination to small scale imagery, always working to create something unique and specific to location and viewer. Their projections often combine elements of installation, pyrotechnics and music, aiming to capture the essence of a place, space or feeling as a shared moment of time.

Their large-scale projection artworks often utilise a whole building, incorporating light, sound and projection to bring a space to life.
www.illuminos.co.uk

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire

Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s mission is to develop and grow a successful and sustainable tourism economy, working closely with a wide range of partners to make the Peak District and Derbyshire the destination of choice – regionally, nationally and globally.
Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is the lead partner of the Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), in collaboration with Visit Derby.
Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is part-funded by Derbyshire County Council.
For more information visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/industry
Inspiration on things to do and where to stay in the Peak District and Derbyshire is available at www.visitpeakdistrict.com