Winterlight Festival lit up the sky once again

Huge crowds lined the streets turned out to witness the illunated sculptures which was followed by a dazzling fireworks display.

The Winterlight Festival started with a fabulous, eerie parade, led by The Mortal Orchestra, and comprising of a giant goose with a flock of smaller geese, fire torches, dancing chefs, and children with lanterns all made in a number of workshops with local schools.

When the parade met Hollins Mill Lane & the Fire & Water buildings, the goose laid an egg and there was street theatre and entertainment provided by the Calderdale Theatre School.

Bands Hope and Social and The Fire Beneath the Sea performed at the event and crowds enjoyed street acts, a surreal tour of the buildings with various installations and performance art and tasty street food.

There were a number of impressive sculptures in the procession including a giant inflatable lobster.

The evening rounded off with a dramatic display of fireworks which filled the night sky.

Many local schools and groups contributed to the event including Triangle C of E school, St Mary’s C of E, Sowerby Village, Ryburn Valley High School, Ryburn Art Group, and Calderdale College.

The event was organised by a community group acting as the events team of Fire and Water, an organisation that is run by the community by the community.

The event was especially celebratory this year, which two months ago saw the completion of the asset transfer giving Fire and Water full possession of the buildings.

Plans to create a community hub which will support a thriving artistic community, will provide training and employment, include multi-use venues, and community resources on the Hollins Mill Lane site can now begin in earnest, with the backing of the community.

For more information visit: www.sbfireandwater.co.uk