Winter Lights celebrates joy and community in Barton Hill

Published on 5 February 2025.

On Sunday 26 January 2025 we presented Winter Lights – an event celebrating joy, light, creativity and the warmth of community.

Over 700 children, young people and their families took part at Wellspring Settlement in Barton Hill, Bristol.

Featuring theatre performances, storytelling, craft activities, a room of joy, a room of play, and a lantern parade, Winter Lights was organised as part of our 40^th anniversary celebrations.

People that came to the event were mostly from the local area and overwhelmingly said how the event brought the community together for something joyful during a difficult time.

Audience feedback

A parent who attended with their baby and 7-year-old daughter, said:
“You don’t get to interact with other people very much these days because everyone is indoors on their phones, so this was lovely. You get to feel part of the community. Before we came today, my daughter was so excited. She loved the craft and making a butterfly.”

Other audience members said:

“It's the best. You see your kids enjoying themselves and there is nothing better than that, feeling part of the community is important and being with friends is good.”

“It’s made me feel really happy. Seeing the kids smiling. No one is seeing race or judgement - all are one big community”.

“It makes you feel great. Today is such a good presentation of UK diversity – everyone joining in as one community”.

“Today has been good at bringing the community together.”

A group of local children said:
“I loved the playroom – that was fun”, “I enjoyed playing with new people as well as my friends”, “today has been fantastic!”, “today has been incredible”, “today has been amazing”, “today has been wonderful”.

A teacher who works in a local school, said: “It’s a real community event – you can see that by looking around. It’s amazing. So many cultures working together. It appeals to everyone.” 

Creating the event with children, young people and the local community

Over 400 children, young people and members of the local Barton Hill community have been involved in creating the event since last summer.

Our youth theatre groups worked together to create a new piece of theatre, Where The Acorns Grow, gaining experience of working with professional artists to turn their ideas into a performance.

Working with writer Imogen Downes, the groups developed the story. Behind the scenes, our youth theatre participants were also busy designing the sound and costumes for the show.

Schools and community groups made lanterns for the wonderful lantern parade and members of Travelling Light’s intergenerational group made decorations for the event.

Lizzy Stephens, Travelling Light’s Artistic Director said:

“It was a fabulous event, celebrating the theme 'moments of joy and light' – where we find these in our lives, in our communities and environment.” 

“We’re a charity that puts children first. We started out as a school touring company 40 years ago, and we’re still here, taking children’s theatre into communities, reaching children who wouldn’t otherwise access arts and culture with experiences that capture their imaginations, improve their wellbeing, and engage them in learning.” 

“We are very grateful to our funders and supporters who help us continue to do this important work, which children and families tell us makes the community of Barton Hill a more vibrant and creative place to live.”

Visit our Winter Lights event page to find out more about the event and everyone who funded and supported it.

Would you like to support our work with children and young people? Help us change children's lives through creativity. Find out how you can support us here.