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Right, so I went along to Loughborough Light Nights this weekend, and I'll give it to you straight - Friday was a washout, literally. The weather was absolutely biblical, proper hammering it down, so they had to cancel the whole first night. Disappointing, that, but you can't argue with safety when it's chucking it down like that.
Friday: Complete Washout!
Despite Friday's cancellation due to heavy rain, Loughborough Light Nights bounced back on Saturday with thousands turning out to enjoy the spectacular light displays and street theatre in Queen's Park - and the atmosphere was brilliant.
The weather finally played ball on Saturday evening, allowing families and visitors to experience what they'd missed the night before. The crowds were massive, with everyone clearly determined not to let a bit of Friday's disappointment spoil the weekend.
Saturday's success
Spark! by Worldbeaters Music absolutely smashed it. Those LED drummers were banging out proper tunes whilst lit up like Christmas trees, and the kids loved following them around the park. The kaleidoscopic lighting against the night sky was something special, I'll give them that.
Sound Intervention's BoomBike went down a treat too. Watching animated images projected onto buildings and the ground had everyone grinning, and the Faceboard had queues of people waiting to get their selfies. You could see families creating memories they'll actually want to look back on.
The silent disco tent was packed - and I mean packed - with people of all ages having a proper boogie. Free face painting kept the little ones entertained whilst parents grabbed a breather, and the fairground rides did decent business throughout the evening.
John Storer House: the unsung hero
Here's something that deserves proper recognition - John Storer House on Ward's End was open and became an absolute lifesaver for families. The New Street entrance was closed, but they kept the main doors open from 5-7:30pm with paper lantern making activities for kids with their parents.
But more importantly, they offered something simple but crucial on a cold February night - somewhere warm to duck into. A quid for a mug of tea, £1.95 for proper bean-to-cup coffee, and Ann was baking fresh cakes (£1.50-£1.95). Free toilets too, which any parent will tell you is worth its weight in gold at an outdoor event.
You could pop in for ten minutes between light displays or settle in for half an hour - whatever you needed. No pressure, just warmth and a brew.
More than just a warm building
What struck me was learning what John Storer House actually does with the money from those coffees and cakes. Every purchase, every donation, keeps their community services running - lunch clubs where older people get together for a hot meal and a chat, Your Store where people in need can shop, and wellbeing groups that give carers respite whilst providing meaningful activities.
As their sign said: "Not just a light on display - the real thing." That's proper community spirit, that is.
The verdict
Yes, Friday's cancellation was gutting for everyone who'd planned to come. But Saturday proved Loughborough Light Nights was worth the wait. The combination of spectacular street theatre, dazzling light displays, family-friendly attractions, and genuine community support from places like John Storer House made it a weekend to remember.
The crowds showed what Loughborough's made of - a bit of rain on Friday wasn't going to stop people coming out on Saturday to support a brilliant community event. Fair play to the organisers for making it work, and to everyone who turned out despite the dodgy start to the weekend.
If they bring it back next year, I'd say get yourself down there. Just check the weather forecast first, eh?
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