The honour of a strange and magnificent tree that once grew on the Sheffield Canal will be celebrated by a unique cultural festival on 18th September. The Light Tree Celebrations will mark the end of a three-year project called Into The Hinterlands that has been led by The Bare Project and commissioned by the Canal and River trust.
The festival will connect communities and promote wellbeing, starting at Victoria Quays at 4pm. Members of the public can enjoy a huge variety of free activities at the festival, from apple pressing and lantern making to plants, walks, live music and dancing.
By hosting creative arts, food and permaculture activities, The Bare Project have worked with communities in Darnall, Attercliffe, Tinsley and the Wicker to spark excitement and appreciation for the natural curiosities within the canal that are often forgotten.
Artistic Director of The Bare Project, Malaika Cunningham, said, “The Light Tree Celebrations is an opportunity to mark some endings and hopefully some new beginnings after three years of work along the canal! The pandemic has massively impacted opportunities for us to come together with our neighbours and wider communities – the 18th September is a chance to do just this.”
From 6pm there will be a parade culminating in a feast of local food at a secret location, which will take place as the sun starts to set. Everyone is invited to come and be a part of the illuminations of the Hundred Light Tree. Prepare to be pleasantly dazzled. Cunningham added: “To hear some plant folklore, to learn some new things, and to enjoy some performances and – most importantly – a big meal!”
People local to The Wicker, Attercliffe, Darnall, or Tinsley can claim a FREE ticket to the parade and feast by using the promo code LOCAL when booking via Eventbrite. You can also book a FREE ticket to join the festival activities from 4pm, or opt for a £5 ticket that includes the parade and feast. Tickets here.
