Three days of Christmas celebrations started last night in Barnsley, as visitors enjoyed free events including light shows, art installations and activities.

The festivities began at the Town Hall with a traditional Christmas Lights switch-on and light show.

Events continue tonight at 5pm, with art installations including a flock of origami birds called ‘Luminous Birds’ by Kathy Hinde set to appear at the Cooper Gallery Gardens.

‘Mars’, a touring artwork by Luke Jerram will also be on display which features detailed NASA imagery of the surface of the planet, allowing visitors to experience life on mars at Barnsley College.

The poet laureate, Simon Armitage, will have an installation called ‘Sunset’ with words lighting up the alley between Eldon Street and Mandela Gardens in neon, in celebration of the Eldon Street High Streets Action Zone Scheme.

The highlight of Barnsley’s programme is set to arrive on Saturday.

Storm, a two storey tall mythical winter goddess made entirely of natural and recycled materials, will be making her debut appearance in England after attending COP26 in Glasgow.

The installation will begin its journey at DMC01 building on County Way, before making its way to The Glass Works square.

Dominic Somers, Arts and Events Officer for Barnsley Council, said the event was about “boosting the night time economy, getting people out, having a bit of joyful time post-pandemic.”

Last year due to lockdown the celebrations were limited, but this year the festival spans ten sites.