This year artsNK is putting illuminations centre stage! With a grant from the Heritage Lottery we have commissioned Terry O’Toole Theatre-based Lighting Engineer Andrew Swinney to light up some of Sleaford’s historically interesting buildings as part of a trail around the town.

Sleaford resident, Debbie Scott, has created a warm and informative tale for the Trail of Light. This has been created into a podcast that you can download from the home page Click Here. You can hire MP3 players with the recording on them from the Hub. The recording, by Rhubarb Theatre Company, tells the story of Sleaford as you walk around the town as you look at the lit buildings, neon sculptures and enjoy the performances.

When: 7pm – 10pm

A high quality collection of work from selected East Midlands designers, you can discover unique pieces of glass ware for yourself and your home. This is a perfect opportunity to buy contemporary craft from the artists themselves.

When: 7pm – 10pm

Get creative by joining Community Artist, Ruth Pigott, as she creates a stunning light box specifically for Sleaford Light Night. You will have the chance to experiment with colours, light and different recycled materials as you add your own section to the finished piece. The craft workshops are free and you do not need to pre-book.

When: 7pm – 10pm

NeON09 continues from the successful NeON08 design project. This time artsNK's visual arts team recruited a group of people from the district to design a larger sculptural neon piece reflecting Sleaford's history and heritage. Sleaford Light Night will mark the unveiling of the chosen design originating from Sleaford's creative champion, Pauline Dobson. The colourful sculpture will light up the River Slea, visible from Southgate.

When: 7pm – 10pm

Fresh from a tour of Europe, the Light Fantastic Duo will dazzle you with their amazing juggling skills. You'll enjoy a wonderful visual experience as you watch their choreographed light show set to music.

When: 7.30pm

Where: White Hart Mews, Jermyn Street

and

When: 9pm

No one expected the arrival of King John in Lincolnshire, least of all the Bishop of Sleaford. Thank goodness he'd had that castle built… shame he hadn't paid for it. Inspired by Sleaford's dramatic past and introducing master of disguise, Nicholas the Naughty, Rhubarb Theatre brings you a tale of romance, intrigue and lost treasure.

When: 7pm and 9.45pm

Where: Outside the Hub

To accompany the lights, artsNK has brought the BBC's sound sculpture ‘Hive’ to Sleaford to add the sounds of Lincolnshire to the occasion. Designed by artsNK's Nick Jones, as part of the BBC’s Made in England project, the sculpture plays recordings of iconic sounds suggested by station listeners, as well as capturing textures from around the county. It represents some of its stories in feely sculpture boxes to put your hands into and have a tactile journey.

When: 7pm – 10pm

Around the town youngsters have been creating colourful installations, similar to small stained glass windows, along the route of the light trail.
So make sure you bring along a torch to light your way!

When: 7pm – 10pm

The fantastic, beautiful and fragile neon sculptures designed by residents of Sleaford during last year's artsNK NeON08 project will feature in 8 locations along the Trail of Light. Try and spot them all!

When: 7pm – 10pm

Youngsters from Kesteven and Sleaford High school have been working with the artsNK team to weave new stories interpreting aspects of the town’s history through shadow puppets. Many of these will be included in a spectacular light box art installation throughout Light Night in the school’s Arts Unit in Navigation Yard.

When: 7pm – 10pm

The Knit Together group has been busy creating a variety of fluorescent fun clothing accessories. Around Navigation Wharf a selection of their work will be on display. Sleaford Light Night visitors can purchase additional items for a small donation in aid of a local charity from the artists’ market.

When: 7pm – 10pm

Two groups of Year 6 pupils from Our Lady of Good Counsel Primary School have been working with Rhubarb Theatre Company exploring the ancient history of the town.

When: 8pm and 8.45pm

The 'port' of Sleaford has seen migrants, visitors and newcomers for centuries, be it through the past, through seasonal work or the services. Recently people have arrived from the commonwealth nations and the influences of African cultures have continued. Djembe drumming has been adopted by groups of all ages in the community as this performance demonstrates.

When: 7.45pm and 9.15pm

Choral music has had a presence in Sleaford since time immemorial. Roundelay Choir takes these traditions and puts them in a contemporary context. Their repertoire includes Latin hymns and contemporary pieces. Songs sung unaccompanied by local people as they always have been.

When: 8pm

Where: Sleaford Market Place

And

When: 8.45pm

Visiting dancers from twin towns Marquette Lez Lille and Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf will be demonstrating some of their local traditional dancing.

When: 7.15pm

Our local morris dancing group represents English Folk Dance at many international festivals. Enjoy their dazzling dancing!

When: 7.45pm

Where: Sleaford Market Place

And

When: 8.30pm

Have a look round the Hub's current exhibition which features the very latest in design thinking. Exhibits include bringing the latest LED technology to fashion design, architectural structures and even helium balloons!

When: 7pm - 10pm

Discover the history of life and trade on the Slea navigation, through a variety of fascinating interactive displays.

When: 7pm - 10pm

Chinese Sky Lanterns have been used for thousands of years and are traditionally released to bring good luck and prosperity. Watch as the lanterns float through the night sky above Sleaford, bringing a magical evening of light to a gentle but spectacular end.

When: 10pm