After eight years and seven dazzling events, Illuminate the Gardens will light up Sheffield’s skies for the final time this autumn. Ahead of the grand finale, we caught up with Event’s Collective’s Events Manager, Ellie Murphy, to get the lowdown on what to expect – and why this beloved Bonfire Night staple is bowing out.
“It’s definitely going to be emotional,” Ellie admits. “Every year already is, to be honest – we always tear up during the main fireworks display. But this time will be something else. I think there’ll be a few more tears – not just from me and Bob [Worm, Events Collective founder], but the team and probably some of the crowd as well. It’s the end of an era.”
Since its debut in 2017, Illuminate the Gardens has become a true Sheffield institution. Combining a spectacular light trail, mesmerising fireworks, local food and drink, and family-friendly entertainment, it reimagined Bonfire Night into a magical weekend experience in the heart of the city. This year, from 7–9 November, the Botanical Gardens will host its final hurrah – a kind of ‘greatest hits’ version of the event, with all the best-loved features and a few fresh surprises.
“We normally run with a theme, but this year we’ve left it wide open,” says Ellie. “We’ve said to our artists, go wild. We’ve commissioned new pieces, and we don’t even know what some of them will be yet – it’s exciting for us too. But there’ll definitely be some nods to years gone by.”
Visitors can expect the usual twin fireworks shows – a quieter early-evening display for children and people with sensory sensitivities, followed by the high-impact main event. There’s also the now well-established quiet zone, a more recent addition that’s proven hugely popular for guests who need a moment of calm amidst the colour and crowds.
The lower gardens trail, introduced last year, will return with a new theme, helping to ease footfall while offering a fresh perspective on the space. And of course, the full complement of food traders, fairground rides, bars and interactive installations will be back. “It’s always had that Sheffield Food Festival feel,” Ellie says. “We’ve got mulled wine, local beers, hot chocolates with a splash of Baileys if you fancy, and great food – vegan, veggie, you name it.”
And while it’s undoubtedly a family-friendly event, there’s plenty for grown-ups too. “The Modular Moods tent is always a crazy, fun cocktail bar,” Ellie adds. “If you want to come down and start your night here before heading into town, it’s perfect. It’s got such a good vibe – and that’s not just down to what we do, it’s the crowd, the atmosphere, the camaraderie on site.”
The first Illuminate in 2017 sold out fast, catching the team slightly off-guard. “We had no idea it would grow the way it did,” Ellie recalls. “We didn’t know how much people would love a light show like this – but they did. And it just built from there. The community have been behind us from day one, and we’re so grateful.”
So why stop now? The reasons are mainly logistical. While the Botanical Gardens have provided a stunning backdrop, the limitations are becoming harder to work around. “We’ve outgrown the venue, really,” Ellie says. “Accessibility’s been a big challenge. We offer carer tickets, but we just can’t provide accessible parking, and that’s something we feel strongly about. We’ve looked into shuttle buses and other solutions, but they’re just not realistic without pushing up ticket prices – and we’ve always tried to keep it affordable.”
Despite the challenges, the team’s relationship with the council and the Gardens staff has been a respectful and collaborative one. “The council told us they wouldn’t feel comfortable letting any other organiser do what we’ve done here,” Ellie notes. “That means a lot.”
As for what comes next, the future is open. “It might not be the end forever,” Ellie hints. “We could pop up again – maybe in Sheffield, maybe somewhere new. But for now, it’s time for a break, to reflect on what we’ve achieved. We’ve taken Bonfire Night to another level. We’re not just fireworks and a bonfire – we’re the whole shebang.”
If this truly is the final bow, expect Illuminate the Gardens to go out in style. The team have one last story to tell – and every light, as Ellie puts it, tells a story.
Tickets are available now at illuminatethegardens.co.uk.
