Light Works Returns – Bigger, Brighter, and More People-Led Than Ever

• Artists, Attractions, Events, Features, Festivals, Take the kids, What's on
• 24th November 2025
• Cumbria Guide

Light Works Returns – Bigger, Brighter, and More People-Led Than Ever

After the incredible success of Light Works Workington last year, which welcomed over 10,000 visitors, the much-loved festival of light is back – and expanding. This December, Light Works will illuminate Workington on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, before heading to Seascale on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December.

This year’s events promise to be even bigger and more community-driven, with schools and local groups joining the celebrations to launch each festival with a spectacular lantern parade. As part of the creative build-up, community groups have also been invited to design light projections that will be transformed into illuminated sculptures by Fluid Productions.

In Seascale, the light festival will shine alongside another much-loved local tradition – the Christmas Tree Festival at St Cuthbert’s Church, offering visitors a full festive weekend of community spirit.

Both Light Works events are free to attend, open to all, and powered by community generosity. While there’s no need to book, visitors will have the opportunity to support the events through donations, helping to keep these illuminating celebrations accessible to everyone.

Light Works is made possible thanks to the generous support of Arts Council England, Cumberland Council, UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (Workginton) and the Mid Copeland GDF Community Partnership (Seascale).

Get Involved: Be Part of the Magic

This year, there are more ways than ever for local people to get involved in Light Works – from creating glowing lanterns to inspiring new music and storytelling for the festival.

Lantern-Making Workshops with Artist Celia Burbush

Join artist Celia Burbush for a series of relaxed, family-friendly drop-in lantern-making workshops, where you can create your very own unique wicker lantern to carry in the opening Lantern Parade. These sessions are open to all ages – the perfect way to get creative together and be part of something truly magical this Christmas.

• Moorclose Community Centre, Workington – Saturday 15 November | 10am–3pm
• Helena Thompson Museum, Workington – Wednesday 19 November | 4pm–6pm
• Helena Thompson Museum, Workington – Thursday 20 November | 4pm–6pm
• Helena Thompson Museum, Workington – Saturday 22 November | 10am–3pm
• St Cuthbert’s Church, Seascale – Saturday 29 November | 10am–3pm

Help Shape the Sound of Light Works 2025

This year, we’re inviting local people to help create something truly special. Artist, clarinettist, and composer Jack McNeill is crafting a unique sound and storytelling experience for Light Works 2025 – and he needs your help to make it happen.

Jack has a few questions to inspire his creative process, and your answers will help shape what he creates for the festival:

• Can you remember your happiest winter?
• Does winter in West Cumbria hold a particular feeling for you because of the place?
• What does togetherness look like to you in winter?
• Can you think of a positive action you notice in the community during winter?
• What does love in the community sound like at winter?
• Is winter peaceful for you?

How to Take Part:

Send your answers via WhatsApp to 07522 849071 or share them on our social channels. Your words could help inspire something extraordinary at Light Works 2025. Find out what Jack creates at this year’s festival.

To learn more about what’s happening, follow Cumbria Guide on our social media