More than 6,000 people from around the region enjoyed Mansfield’s second Light Night over the weekend.
The three-day immersive light and sound event was held in Carr Bank Park from Saturday, 15 February, to Monday, 17 February, and drew visitors from across Nottinghamshire, as well as Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.
It was the second time the park had hosted an illuminations spectacular. This year’s event featured an extended trail, with the park’s bandstand serving as a bustling focal point for walkabout entertainment and street food.
Themed Light Night zones included a shimmering fairy wonderland, woodland animals in an enchanted forest, and vibrant illuminated arches and kaleidoscopic lights dancing to high-energy beats in a carnival discoland.
The Light Night trail passed live performances from the Nottinghamshire Samba Collective, face painting, walkabout entertainers, and a popular silent disco for all ages.
There was also a striking and inspirational art exhibition in the park’s Victorian greenhouse by Mansfield Museum’s Green Power group.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said after attending the event:
“We are thrilled that this outstanding event drew people from a wide area. It was a fabulous family experience—even with the bitterly cold weather!
“We would like to thank our partners and sponsors, who play an invaluable part in making these kinds of events possible.
“We are now looking forward to the next big event in April. Gaia will be an amazing art installation to experience at the Palace Theatre and will be completely free, thanks to our National Portfolio Organisation funding from Arts Council England and the Destination Mansfield project.
• Nottingham Light Night 2025: Full programme revealed for popular event
“It is sure to be popular, so we advise people to book their preferred time slot early.”
Slots can be booked on the Palace website (link opens in new window).
This year’s Light Night was supported by Mansfield’s Towns Fund allocation from the Government as part of a series of initiatives designed to position Mansfield as a destination, alongside the paid entry tickets.
Partners in the event were Mansfield Cultural Services, Mansfield BID, and Cheeky Monkey Enterprises. Sponsors included Matthews and Tannert, Inspire Culture, and Trent Barton, along with eight shows being held at Mansfield Palace Theatre this year.
Other major Mansfield events in 2025 include:
- Gaia: 19 to 27 April, Mansfield Palace Theatre
- The Zone: 20 to 31 May, including performances of Sound Board on 31 May, Oaktree estate (location TBC)
- Mansfield Carnival: Saturday, 21 June, Market Place
- Mini Police Fun Day: Saturday, 26 July, Titchfield Park
- One Fest: Thursday, 10 July, to Monday, 14 July, town centre
- Full Shebang: Saturday, 6 September, town centre
- Mansfield 10k: Sunday, 14 September
- Fire Garden: Friday, 17 October, to Sunday, 19 October, Titchfield Park
