AS the nights draw in and summer is starting to become a distant memory, residents are going to be treated to an evening of fire, light, art and performance.

After a successful first year, the Wellington Garden of Light nighttime festival returns this October to light up Wellington Park with a celebration of art and nature.

Fuse Performance and Somerset Outdoor Arts are hosting the event which will bring Wellington Park to life with live performance, aerial arts, fire and light illuminations, sound installations, projections and music.

The theme at the centre of the event is a celebration of art, nature, and the environment, using the natural habitat and the park both as a backdrop and inspiration for the artwork created.

A spokesperson for Fuse said: “Wander through the park and discover a world of light installations, projections and sculpture.

“Experience spectacular Fuse fire and light performances. Look up for aerial dance and enjoy live music, digital arts and more along the way.

“Bring your friends and family and come and explore the park after dark.”

Different levels of lighting are used for the event, including ultra violet, to offer the audience the chance to experience the atmosphere, quietness, and subtlety drawn from the beauty of the park.

The lights are complimented by subtle sound installations emanating from trees, bird cages, ponds, and streams within the park.

With visitors last year coming from as far away as Bristol and Exeter, and Taunton and Bridgwater, the advice from Fuse is to book tickets early for the event.

A community lantern workshop on Saturday, October 17 from 12.30 pm to 3 pm to make lanterns for the evening is fully booked but people can still add their name to the waiting list. Schools have also been invited to make lanterns for the children to carry as they walk through the park.

The event is ticketed costing £2 for adults and £1 for children with funds raised supporting further art projects in the town.

A spokesperson for Fuse said: “We recommend early entry for families with young children 6.30pm and adults from 7.30pm

“We advise not to bring dogs as this is a busy environment with children, families, visitors to the event and fire, light illuminations, music, light sculptures, aerial artists performances and lantern sculptures made by local young people and community groups.”

More than 2,000 people attended the event in its inaugural year in 2025 with positive feedback to Wellington Town Council and more than £2,000 raised out of tickets sales and donations.

According to Fuse director, John Lee, in a report to Wellington Town Council in 2025, 94 percent of people giving feedback on the event said they would like to attend it again in 2026.

The spokesperson added: “We would like to thank Wellington Town Council for supporting the event, Fusion Dance Circus, Streetlinkz and FUSE Outdoor Arts team.”

The Garden of Light begins at 6.30 pm to 9 pm in Wellington Park.