Spotlight falls on historic Derbyshire buildings in breathtaking illumination events

The spotlight well and truly falls on two of Derbyshire’s most historic buildings this October.
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Chatsworth House and Arkwright’s Cromford Mills will provide the stunning backdrop for a series of spectacular audio visual displays called ‘Shine A Light’.

The light, sound and music extravaganzas will help celebrate the county’s rich heritage and culture over four dates this October.

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The large-scale video projections will illuminate historic buildings, in an evening entertainment for all the family.

Shine a Light project to illuminate Chatsworth House and Arkwright MillsShine a Light project to illuminate Chatsworth House and Arkwright Mills
Shine a Light project to illuminate Chatsworth House and Arkwright Mills

Presented by Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light was inspired by Voices From The Peak, a celebration of the county in sound created by poet and performer Mark Gwynne Jones. It marked the Peak District National Park’s 70th birthday earlier this year.

Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and Cromford Mills, the home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, are linked through their power, influence and the shaping of water. Their stories will be told in streams of light.

Commisioned by Derbyshire County Council, it is hoped the event will help boost the visitor economy, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

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A moving animation will be shone onto the south front of Chatsworth House, at intervals, from 6.30pm, on Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23 and at Cromford Mills, part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, from 6.30pm on Thursday, October 28 and Friday 29 October.

Other events include a woodland illuminated walk, live performance from musician John Gill and a night-time model railway display and refreshments.

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said:

“We’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.

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“We’ve brought together internationally-known projection artists and a renowned poet and storyteller to create these fascinating events, designed for people of all ages. It is vital we support the local visitor economy to recover following coronavirus pandemic.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, said: “Derbyshire is fortunate to have some of the world’s most significant heritage attractions and ‘Shine A Light’ offers the fantastic opportunity to see history brought to life in spectacular style against the backdrops of Chatsworth and Cromford Mills.”