Posted: 29 October 2026
This year's event takes place exclusively during evening sessions, creating a magical after-dark experience in the heart of the city.
The Bird of a Thousand Voices presented at Vilnius Light Festival 2026
From 19th–26th November, the Corn Exchange will be transformed for Right Up Our Street's incredible immersive installation, bringing light, sound and a little bit of magic to Doncaster. With this year's festival taking place in the evening, it's the perfect opportunity to arrive earlier and discover what else the city has to offer.
Sound like a plan? We've rounded up a few ideas to help you make the most of your visit!
What better way to explore the city than with a little walking tour?
Wrap up warm, grab a trail map from the Tourist Information Centre and set off on this year's Christmas sculpture trail.
Twelve sculptures will be dotted around the city centre, each with its own unique design, and it's up to you to hunt them all down.
With plenty of cafés along the way, why not stop for a warming hot chocolate or grab one to take along on your adventure?
Just don't forget to snap a few pictures. We want to see how many you find!
If you're up for a challenge, head to Enigma Rooms on Hall Gate, where you'll find a whole host of immersive escape room experiences.
With different themes, mysteries to unravel and puzzles to crack, it's the perfect activity for families, friends or anyone who loves a good challenge.
That’s if you think you've got what it takes to make your escape…
And if you're looking for something with an extra sprinkle of magic, you're in luck!
Located in the same building, The Twisted Broom offers a rather unusual experience.
If you have ever fancied becoming a witch or wizard for the afternoon, now's your chance.
Step into an enchanted classroom for a pre-bookable potion-making lesson, where you'll be guided by your very own Potion Master as you brew two magical creations.
With both cocktail and mocktail options available, there's something for aspiring witches and wizards of all ages.
And the magic doesn't stop there.
The Twisted Broom is also welcoming visitors to its brand-new restaurant, which opened on Halloween (spooky!), serving up delicious food in some seriously spellbinding surroundings.
It's certainly not your average afternoon out!
Fancy putting your competitive side to the test?
Arcade Warehouse is packed with entertainment, from retro arcade machines and VR experiences to air hockey, basketball games, dance machines and pool tables.
At £12 for two hours of unlimited play, there's plenty of time to see how many games you can squeeze in.
If you fancy keeping the fun going, Doncaster Wool Market is another great place to spend a few hours.
Gather your friends or family and challenge each other to a game of augmented reality darts, shuffleboard or duckpin bowling.
There are also a selection of arcade games and a brand-new interactive golf experience to try, ideal for anyone who fancies showing off their putting skills.
And once you've worked up an appetite, you won't even need to leave!
The Wool Market is home to a fantastic selection of independent food vendors, serving up delicious dishes from around the world- perfect if everyone in your group fancies something different.
Even better, the Corn Exchange is practically next door, so you won't have far to go when it's time for the Festival of Light.
Of course, no trip to the city centre would be complete without a little browse around the shops!
With Christmas just around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your festive shopping.
Right next to the Wool Market, you'll find Doncaster's traditional market, where you can explore a variety of independent traders selling local produce.
Or, if you fancy hitting the high street, head over to Frenchgate Shopping Centre, home to a fantastic mix of popular retailers.
Who knows? You might even manage to tick a few presents off your Christmas list while you're here.
Looking for more ways to spend your afternoon? Take a look at what else is happening across Doncaster during your visit.
©Vox Multimedia Ltd
After an afternoon of exploring, it's time to refuel! With the Festival of Light taking place in the evening, there's plenty of time to squeeze in a delicious meal before the main event.
Luckily, Doncaster city centre is packed with fantastic places to eat, with flavours from all around the world waiting to be discovered. Not sure where to go? Here are a few spots worth adding to your plans!
You can't go wrong with Italian. Located on Silver Street, Da Leo serves up authentic Italian favourites, from freshly made pasta to delicious stone-baked pizzas. Perfect for a cosy meal with friends or family before heading over to the festival.
For those who fancy a little bit of everything… Hoi Choi brings the flavours of Asia together under one roof, with dishes inspired by Thai, Chinese, Japanese and Indian cuisine. Their Asian tapas-style dining is perfect for sharing, so you can sample a variety of dishes without having to choose just one!
If you're feeling particularly hungry, Estabulo might be just the place. Having recently moved to its new home on Wood Street, this Brazilian restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with freshly grilled meats carved right at your table and an impressive selection of sides.
Just make sure you arrive hungry!
Looking for a hidden gem? Tucked away on Priory Walk, Itz Delhi brings the vibrant flavours of Indian street food to Doncaster. From delicious chaats to traditional Indian favourites, this cosy little spot is well worth discovering if you fancy something a bit different.
Our advice? Book yourself a table in advance, enjoy a lovely meal and then head over to the Corn Exchange for the evening's entertainment. After all, good food followed by a spectacular light installation sounds like a pretty great evening to us!
Once you've explored the city and enjoyed some delicious food, it's time for the highlight of your visit.
Returning for its eighth year, Right Up Our Street's Festival of Light is bringing something truly extraordinary to Doncaster.
This year, the spotlight is on The Bird of a Thousand Voices, an immersive artwork by Amsterdam-based artist Boris Acket, making its UK premiere right here in our city!
Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's sketches of a machine designed to make humans fly, the installation brings together light, sound, movement and kinetic sculpture to create an experience like no other.
For eight days, this historic building will become home to an incredible display of contemporary art, giving visitors the chance to experience something completely different.
And tickets are free for Doncaster residents (with booking required)! Adult tickets for non-residents cost £5.
So, prepare for an afternoon of exploring, a little friendly competition, some delicious food and a spectacular light installation to finish the evening.
Sounds like a pretty good day out to us!
If you're travelling from further afield, why not turn your visit into an overnight stay?
With plenty of places to stay across Doncaster, you can enjoy the festival without having to rush home afterwards.
We've even put together a handy list of accommodation across the city and surrounding areas, so you can find the perfect place to rest your head.
📅 When: 19th–26th November 2026
📍 Where: Doncaster Corn Exchange
⏰ Times: Evening sessions, with half-hour booking slots available
🎟️ Tickets: Free for Doncaster residents (booking required). £5 for non-resident adults.
✨ What's on: The Bird of a Thousand Voices by Boris Acket.
Don't miss your chance to experience this incredible installation as it makes its UK premiere in Doncaster!
