WinterBloom Light Festival to illuminate Colne with Dazzling Displays, Illuminated Parade and a Glowing Light Projection

The enchanting WinterBloom Light Festival is  back for 2025 after Colne BID successfully won their Arts Council bid for another year; set to transform Colne into a mesmerising wonderland this winter.

Taking place on Saturday 15^th February, this highly anticipated festival will feature a breathtaking light projection on Pendle Hippodrome created by students of Nelson and Colne College, a stunning light parade with creative partner Handmade Productions featuring makes from the community, local school groups and Pendle based artist inters, plus live entertainment! This promises a magical experience for visitors of all ages.

Organised by Colne BID, in collaboration with Handmade Productions and Building Bridges Pendle, the WinterBloom Light Festival celebrates creativity, community, and the beauty of the winter season and the beginnings of spring.

The festival will showcase a stunning light sculpture from local artists at Colne Market Hall and a display at Colne Library. Attendees can stroll through the Artisan Markets from 11am, enjoy live music performances at 2pm, and then watch in wonder at the illuminated parade at 5:45pm starting at the Muni Theatre, ending at Hartley Square. Media students from Nelson and Colne College have been working with local media artist Sophie Mahon on a light projection, taking place at Pendle Hippodrome Theatre from 7pm to 9pm, the festival is suitable for families, couples, and friends alike.

"We are thrilled to bring the WinterBloom Light Festival to Colne for a fourth year and create an unforgettable experience for our community and visitors," said Aneesa McGladdery, BID Manager of Colne BID. "This festival is a celebration of light, art, and togetherness, we also pay homage to our Pendle Witches story in the parade and in the light projections at Pendle Hippodrome; we can’t wait to see Colne shine."

“We also have to say a huge thank you to Arts Council England, Pendle Borough Council and our sponsors who have funded the event”

Highlights of the festival include:

• Dazzling Illuminated Parade: Spectacular illuminated artworks from renowned artists showcased in a parade on the streets of Colne Town Centre.
• Live Entertainment: Performances from local musicians, performers and artists
• Whimsical Window Walk: 10 decorated windows and lit, created by the children from local primary and secondary schools
• Artisan Market: Local food vendors, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal treats
• Glowing Light Projection: learn about the Pendle Witches story at Pendle Hippodrome; created by students at Nelson and Colne College
• Craft sessions: the team at Colne Library are running craft workshops between 10am and 4pm throughout the day and can be booked via their What’s On page.

The WinterBloom Light Festival is free to attend and will take place across key locations in Colne. Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly and immerse themselves in the winter magic.

For more information, including event schedules and special performances, visit https://www.facebook.com/ColneWinterBloom