Hit the Lights!

Fortunately this evening the weather held as we gathered on Scar Top, a green space in the town to witness the turning on of the new floodlights which will illuminate the walls of Barnard Castle itself. The old lights were well past their best and now, thanks in part to Barnard Castle Vision, they have been replaced by new LED, environmently friendly light boxes. The scene was nicely set as we waited in anticipation and then out of the huge castle door came a historic figure from the past whos duty it was to turn on the lights.

It was none other than Bernard Baliol who in the early 10th Century was responsible for the construction of this fine fortress. (Bernard himself wasn't available so he was represented by local actor Ian Kilburn!)

At the given hour, the switch was thrown and there for all to see was the castle, brilliantly lit with a range of subtle colours, a fine sight.

So now visitors and residents alike will be able to enjoy this fine focal point of the town with its new coat of many colours as they pass by the castle in is position high above the River Tees.