Whitley Bay light trail to return in 'magical' free event for all the family
A Whitley Bay attraction is set to light up the winter night next month as a free event returns to the coastal town for all ages to enjoy.
Lightwaves attracted more than 800 visitors when it made its debut last year in the grounds of St Paul's Church on Park View in the town centre. The experience saw the church illuminated inside and out by light sculptures made by local artists and community groups, accompanied by a specially composed piece of calming music.
Plans are well underway for this year's light trail on February 15, with organisers hoping it will be an experience that visitors "will never forget", as well as helping to bring the community together and cementing Whitley Bay as a place "where individuals can feel a sense of belonging". The event is organised by the team of hardworking volunteers behind the Whitley Bay Fiesta, which has become a staple of the town since it began in 2021 with stalls, live music and free activities.
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February's Lightwaves event will feature at least 25 light sculptures for guests to discover on the trail, as well as music and projections making the experience even more magical. Among them will be an illuminated townscape made up of tiny folded houses created by members of a workshop held at the Whitley Bay Winter Fiesta in December.
Visitors can even add their own art to the trail, with house templates set to be available to download on the Whitley Bay Fiesta website soon so you can make your own at home and bring it along on the night. Seasonal refreshments will also be available on the night to keep guests warm.
Lightwaves 2025 is free to attend, with collection tubs and card readers available for donations to help raise money for future Fiesta events. Running from 5.30pm to last admissions at 8.30pm on Saturday, February 15, visitors are advised to wrap up warm and that the event is weather dependent.
Following the special Lightwaves show, the Fiesta will next return on Sunday, July 6 for a summer spectacular, and again on September 21 and December 7 this year. Visitors can expect food and drink, live performances, craft stalls, games and more, with past activities having included a treasure hunt, a coconut shy, and fairground favourite bat the rat.