Light Up Festival at National Coal Mining Museum
Free festive illuminations, lantern parade, and brass band music.

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Posted on 19th September 2026

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Kick off the Christmas season with a magical glow as the annual Light Up Festival returns to the National Coal Mining Museum for England on Saturday 21st November 2026.

Held at the historic Caphouse Colliery site near Wakefield, this free community event brings together dazzling light projections, live music, lantern-making workshops, fire performers, and a festive lantern parade across the pit yard.

Spanning across The Hub and Hope Pit areas, the Light Up Festival combines coal mining heritage with community celebration. It forms part of the wider district-wide Light Up Wakefield celebrations, offering free daytime and evening festivities for visitors of all ages.

What's Happening at Light Up Festival 2026 💡🎺

Highlights across the museum site during the day and evening include:

• Community Lantern Parade: Join or watch the unmissable evening lantern parade led by a traditional local brass band weaving through the pit yard.
• Lantern Making Workshops: Get creative in free drop-in workshops at The Hub to craft your own illuminated lantern for the evening parade.
• Headstock Projections & Light Displays: Watch dramatic light projections and illuminations transform the pit yard, buildings, and iconic winding headstock.
• Fire Performers & Brass Bands: Live outdoor performances by fire artists alongside traditional brass band music throughout the afternoon and evening.
• Festive Food & Shopping: Christmas gift shopping, local food stalls, and seasonal treats served at the Museum Café.
• Santa's Magic Workshop: The festival also marks the opening day of Santa's festive visits at the museum.

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Key information for visiting the Light Up Festival:

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Admission Cost

FREE ENTRY

Free admission to the site, light trail, performances, and lantern making workshops. No tickets required—just turn up!

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Event Date & Hours

Saturday 21st November 2026
• Event activities run throughout the day into the evening.

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Family Friendly

Suitable for all ages, with hands-on craft workshops, music, and accessible viewing areas across the main site.

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Accessibility

The museum site features tarmac and hard-standing paths, accessible parking, level entry to galleries, and accessible toilet facilities.

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Visitor & Parking Tip

Arrive early as site parking can fill up quickly during peak festival hours. Note that vehicle movements on site are restricted during the lantern parade for visitor safety. Wrap up warm for outdoor evening activities!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Museum Location:

National Coal Mining Museum for England, Caphouse Colliery, New Road, Overton, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 4RH

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🚗 Driving & Parking

Located on the A642 between Wakefield and Huddersfield (M1 Junction 38 or 39). Parking is available on site.

🚆 By Public Transport

Nearest major railway stations are Wakefield Westgate and Huddersfield. Local bus services (including the 232 route) connect Wakefield bus station directly to the museum entrance.