In pictures: Artists showcase their illuminated work at St Mary's Church ahead of opening of Scarborough Lights 2024

Scarborough Lights 2024 opens today (Friday) with a return to St Mary’s Church but ahead of the launch, there was a chance to meet the artists who will be showcasing their illuminated works.

Animated Objects have created "The Tree of Dedications, Reflections and Memories”, featuring stars created by local residents.

Adrian Riley’s “Light In Darkness” is described as “a meditative and hypnotic piece using words which appear and vanish in the darkness, sometimes alone, sometimes creating phrases”.

Local astrophotographers Astro Dog have installed their own mini-planetarium within the church, using starscapes and timelapse photography to tell the story of the night sky, along with light boxes displaying some of the photographs of the night sky and the galaxy that lies beyond.

Elsewhere at this year’s event, Scarborough Spa’s exterior will be illuminated throughout the whole festival, but the displays will move inside from December 5 when the bandstand in the open-air Sun Court is transformed into an Aquarium of Light.

One of the most ambitious projects will be The Fire Garden, by Culture Creative, which takes place in the Rose Garden in Scarborough’s South Cliff.

Organiser Julian Caddy said: “We’re illuminating some of Scarborough’s most beautiful buildings, from the Spa to the Castle.

“The boats in the harbour will be lit up each evening creating a magical coastal scene. The town’s Christmas lights will be extended, and residents are even putting displays in their own homes as part of our Advent Calendar.

“Scarborough is set to be a beacon in the middle of the winter, and we hope that residents and visitors alike will share this special event.”

For more information and tickets for Scarborough Lights, visit www.scarboroughfair.uk

Here is a selection of photos by Richard Ponter from last night’s preview event at St Mary’s Church.