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Stellar Creates, Dundas House, Dundas Street, Middlesbrough, TS1 1HY

Saltburn Valley of Light 2025 image

Saltburn Valley of Light 2025

In March 2025 Saltburn Valley Gardens was transformed by light! Valley of Light was a magical celebration of community and creativity under the stars.

Visitors experienced an evening filled with captivating light installations, engaging performances, storytelling, live music, and hands-on craft activities.

Wonderful performances by Whippet Up, Saltburn Smugglers, George Bailey and storytelling by Ian Douglas and his beautiful Magic Lantern.

Valley of Light was shaped and led by the ideas and creativity of the local community in Redcar & Cleveland, demonstrating the power of a community working together. It is supported by Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Arts Council England, Historic England and People’s Postcode Lottery

 

 

About Saltburn Valley of Light 2025
  • Held at : Saltburn Valley Gardens

  • From : 14th-15th March 2025

  • Visitors : 2800

Valley of Light Gallery

The Night Garden Lantern Village

The Night Garden Lantern Village was a breathtaking celebration of art, light, and community spirit, transforming the natural beauty of Valley Gardens into a radiant wonderland.  A heartfelt thank you goes to all the participants, including Building Bridges, Hazelgrove Court Care Home, Coatham Primary School, Saltburn U3A, The Junction Youth Group, The Link, and Zetland Primary School, along with the local residents and families who attended workshops at Loftus and Saltburn Libraries. A special thanks to the gifted artists—Bub Bacon, Adam Bligh, and Morwenna Catt—who guided and inspired the community through their artistic contributions.

Story Valley
The Night Garden Lantern Village was accompanied by a soundtrack, Story Valley created by members of the community, writer Carmen Marcus & sound artist Grace Stubbings.

Luminous Creatures by Hollie Notman
Inspired by the natural wildlife of Saltburn Valley Gardens, this installation featured a giant caterpillar and dragonfly, their glowing forms casting a magical light throughout the woods. Hollie, a talented community artist and puppeteer, brought these enchanting creatures to life with her expertise in whimsical cardboard sculptures.

Bright Minds, Bright Lights – A Neon Celebration

Students from Outwood Academy Redcar and St. Peter’s Catholic College created a 6-meter-long neon wall, illuminating their thoughts, dreams, and creative expressions. Each piece of neon art reflected personal passions and emotions, offering a vibrant glimpse into the minds of young artists. The installation was led by Sarah Harris, an artist known for her collaborative and story-driven works.

Nocturnal by Glow Art Creations

A series of captivating inflatable installations took shape after dark, featuring:

  • NocturnOWL – A majestic glowing owl with striking orange eyes and intricate feather patterns, embodying the mystery of the night.
  • NocturnMOUSE – A delicate dormouse illuminated with intricate mandala patterns, showcasing the charm of nature’s smallest wonders.

Nova by Studio Vertigo
Inspired by the mythical Star of the East, this luminous sculpture mimicked the powerful spectacle of a nova. With over 56,000 laser-cut apertures, it created mesmerizing galaxy patterns, lighting up the night with its celestial glow and atmospheric smoke effects.

Welcome to the Pleasure Gardens by Whippet Up

Transporting audiences back to 1902, this UV light show recreated a historic performance held in the Valley Gardens, featuring high-wire acts, performing dogs, jugglers, and more. Created by Whippet Up, the immersive spectacle was a delightful blend of history, artistry, and theatrical wonder.

Ramadan Lantern Story Bunting

A collaboration between artist Miki Rogers and storyteller Rumana Yasmin brought to life the traditional Ramadan tale of the old lantern through willow sculptures, sound, and light. The installation beautifully reflected the patterns and motifs of Ramadan, offering a meaningful and immersive storytelling experience.

The Greenhouse – A Tribute to Garden Keepers by Kat Lynas

This installation honored the hardworking groundskeepers, wardens, and volunteers who maintain the beauty of Valley Gardens. With illuminated floral designs created by local schoolchildren, the piece evoked the charm of Victorian greenhouses once found on the site. Schools Errington Primary, Easington Brownies and Guides, and 3rd Saltburn Brownies and Guides contributed to this tribute.

Musical Entertainment

The Saltburn Smugglers performed both traditional and original songs from the sea, always with a modern twist. Highly entertaining and utilising harmonies and occasional instruments, they will have you singing, smiling and maybe even dancing!

George Bailey  an exciting independent artist from Teesside emerging from the local live music scene. His influences are drawn from a range of artists from John Lennon to Amy Winehouse. Authentic lyrics combine with catchy melodic hooks, creating a new take on indie-music and rock and roll.

Storytellers Streetband are colourful and joyful, totally acoustic band performing tunes from around the world. Born out of Covid Lockdown, playing at outside locations, performing alongside storyteller Chris Bostock. Since then they have been busking and performing at festival spots around the North East – Whitley Bay Carnival, Mighty Dubfest, Ouseburn Festival and beyond.

 

What are our visitors saying?

I loved taking part in the project, as it brings the people of Saltburn together

Workshop Participant, Hazelgrove Care Home

Absolutely loved it! It was magical and for a few hours we felt like we were in a different world! Our granddaughter loved it. Well done to all involved!

Valley of Light 2025, Visitor

Stellar Creates events never disappoint. A fabulous experience for all ages!

Valley of Light 2025, Visitor

I loved taking part in the project, as it brings the people of Saltburn together

Workshop Participant, Hazelgrove Care Home

Taking part in this project helps me feel useful. The highlight was going down to the exhibition to see our lanterns in situ and listen to our wonderful soundscape

Workshop Participant, Hazelgrove Care Home

Check out our Other past projects