SELBY LIGHT: A large-scale light installation, artwork and light trail.

Experience the event any time between 6-9pm. On 6th, 7th and 8th MARCH. A brand new, free, event for 2025

The new arts programme, Now Then! has announced a brand new light event for 2025: On the 6th,7th and 8th March Selby Light will bring a series of light installations and digital artworks to Selby, offering a chance to see the historic Abbey, and the town, in a new way. The event is free and open to all, with something for visitors of all ages to experience.

At the heart of Selby Light is Ancient Futures, a huge light installation inside Selby Abbey. Created by renowned artists Heinrich & Palmer, this is a brand-new piece of artwork developed especially for Selby Light. Using cutting-edge technology, including 3D scans, film footage, and historic images, the piece brings the past and future together, illuminating the entire interior of the Abbey and allowing you and your children to experience this historical building in a totally new way.

Outside the Abbey, interact with The Matter of The Heart, a collection of local hearts: 100 people and their real-time heart beats. Wherever they are now, together or apart, far away or near the artwork, their hearts will remain in one space, flashing together, in perfect time with their real-life heartbeat. This is a great one for kids as visitors are encouraged to get up close to the light up boxes that hold the heartbeats – not only does it look incredible, it’s fun to walk among and a great example of artwork being more than paintings on walls!

Created by artists and designers, idontloveyouanymore, and brought to Selby in partnership with Mediale, The Matter of The Heart is a celebration of the human spirit, and a reminder of the power of community. Initially commissioned by the Light Up Lancaster, Quays Culture, Oldham and Barnsley Bright Nights, this is the artworks first time in North Yorkshire.

In addition, Selby College Art & Design students will be creating small-scale light installations to discover both inside the Abbey and around the town. These works form part of a light trail, encouraging visitors to take a walk and see the town in a different way.

Selby Light runs on the 6th, 7th and 8th March 2025 and is free to attend. No booking is required—just wrap up warm and come along anytime between 6pm – 9pm. You’ll be handed a trail map on arrival.

Now Then! is a new creative programme for Selby, Tadcaster and Sherburn in Elmet. There will be two years of free, family-friendly events, from workshops to performances. To stay up to date, subscribe to the newsletter.