LIGHTING UP DEWSBURY MARKET with 25 lightboxes built by children from all the schools in Dewsbury as part of the Light Fantastic Mills creative arts project. INNOVATIVE CREATIVE WORKSHOPS in every one of our Dewsbury schools will add to our children's education with the 'Light Fantastic Mills' arts project. The Lightboxes will be distributed throughout Dewsbury Market so the children can then show off their work to family and friends in our famous market which will help local traders. A NICHE CRAFT MARKET in Market Place gives local crafters the opportunity to get back on their feet and sell some of the hand made products they have been making during lockdown. ENTERTAINMENT: Meanwhile, there will be street entertainers and other characters moving around at a social distance topped off by a visit from the Yorkshire Imperial Brass Band to give a traditional flavour to the proceedings.

What we'll deliver:

• Creative craft workshops for all 25 schools in Dewsbury.
• Increased visitors to Dewsbury Market
• A Craft Market outlet for local hand made crafts
• Entertainment for visitors by performing artists
• Stability and security in an uncertain year

Why it's a great idea:

Maintaining this traditional event will help the community recover from the fears of Covid-19 while building capacity in the community. By engaging with the children through creative education linked to local features we aim to reinforce their connection and pride in their hometown. By providing this outside the normal curriculum we can give our hard pressed teachers a few hours respite. The Craft Market aims to provide an outlet from small businesses, especially as Dewsbury is aiming to to develop a growing number of niche product retailers to make the town centre a more attractive shopping location. Events are a basic strategy for town centre regeneration and Dewsbury Lights is an essential part of that strategy that we need to maintain even in difficult times. Our visitors will also find mobile street entertainers in the open air who will continue to entertain while maintaining social distancing.

Steps to get it done:

• Assemble volunteer team and develop concept
• Develop schools creative engagement programme
• Develop entertainment programme
• Research/apply for relevant grants
• Confirm licencing, risk assessments, security issues
• Persuade absolutely everyone to pledge their support
• Pray that Covid-19 does not get in the way
• Deliver!