You know the old saying ‘you wait two hours for a bus and then three turn up all at once’. The South Yorkshire town of Barnsley’s cultural offerings feel a little like that now. Those who regularly follow my forays into the county’s heritage and culture will have seen my recent enthusiastic comments on the town’s superb ‘Tut 22 exhibition’, curated by Professor Joann Fletcher. This exhibition though was just the start of a fascinating and exciting run up to Christmas in Barnsley.
I am sat here trying to write this article thinking where do I start? I know, with another popular, but this time misquoted saying ‘least’ but in this case definitely ‘not last’. Last week the town launched its newest museum. Have you not heard about it or seen the building work taking place? There could be a good reason for that, as South Yorkshire’s newest cultural venue may also well be the smallest one in the area.
Barnsley’s T’Tut Box
Small but perfectly formed, the new museum has been created inside a recently refurbished traditional red telephone box and will be the temporary resting place for a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of Tutankhamun, sometimes referred to as ‘King Tut’.
Installed as part of the main exhibition in Experience Barnsley Museum, the amazing six-foot-tall replica is the first display for the miniature museum and has already caught the attention of passers-by. Created by artist Amanda Stoner, it is part of Barnsley Museum’s plan to display culture in unexpected places. It was unveiled just in time for the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb on 4 November 1922.
Barnsley Museums adopted two unloved listed red phone boxes in the town centre in 2021 and have transformed them into works of art and museum spaces, telling stories of the town’s heritage. The project is part of the Eldon Street High Street Heritage Action Zone funded by Historic England and Barnsley Council which seeks to unlock the potential of high streets across England. It aims to achieve this through fuelling economic, social, and cultural recovery, encouraging people to say Hi! to the high street, and breathe new life into it for future generations. The project is part of the wider regeneration of Barnsley Town Centre.
Councillor Robert Frost, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “Barnsley Museums are always thinking outside the box, and want to use every space possible to showcase our borough’s amazing history. This new museum space will be an opportunity to bring culture to the high street, and what better way than with Tutankhamun himself!”
Let there be light
Second on my list is the return later this month of Barnsley’s captivating Bright Nights Festival, which promises three nights of free family entertainment across the town centre. The fun gets underway on Thursday 24 November with the Christmas Lights switch-on in The Glass Works Square, featuring fabulous music and pyrotechnic outdoor singalong show from The Lips. Highlights include the illuminated Winter Wonderland Birds, energetic Bouncing Elves, and elegant Light Belles. A giant disco ball sculpture by artist Shaun Colins will also sparkle in the heart of the square, reflecting the long history of glass making in Barnsley.
There is more to explore at the Cooper Gallery which is my third recommendation. The stunning Brains in a Dish sculptures and projections aiming to illuminate our understanding of the brain and celebrate recent breakthroughs in the dementia research of Barnsley-born Professor Selina Wray in collaboration with artist Charlie Murphy.
Also well worth exploring will be the Light Art Trail which involves venues across the across town centre on all three nights of the festival – including Luma, a giant nine-metre-long robotic snail who will welcome guests with an otherworldly presence at Barnsley College.
Phew… I’ll just take a pause to catch my breath before reporting that St. Mary’s Church will host a new Christmas Tree Festival, with trees decorated by local schools, charities, and community groups from across Barnsley whilst at the Glass Works children will be able to create stained glass windows using transparent Lego. The Library @ the Lightbox will be presenting to see a new Neon Whirled installation by artist James Brunt and neon face painting activities.
On Saturday 26 November, the Bright Nights Parade will see a host of community groups journeying from The Civic to The Glass Works accompanied by futuristic robotic drummers and illuminated creations. Catch the parade as it starts at 6pm at Mandela Gardens before weaving its way down Eldon Street and Cheapside before reaching the Glass Works Square for a fun finale including music from the DJukebox human jukebox.
There is a more serious side to the success of this exciting autumn programme of events. Cllr Frost said: “Barnsley Bright Nights is always a spectacular occasion, and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors over the three days. This creative, free festival offers entertainment for all ages and interests.”
Visitors on the increase
Commenting on recent data which reveals Barnsley Town Centre footfall has risen 30.2% over the past three months compared to the same period last year, Cllr Frost added: “Barnsley’s reputation as a retail and leisure destination continues to grow, outperforming other comparable towns and cities. If you have not visited Barnsley for a while, we would love to welcome you back during Bright Nights.”
I am looking forward to returning to Barnsley shortly, what is there not to like? For more information about all the events visit the Barnsley Council website.
