One of Sheffield’s most cherished festive traditions will return on Sunday 6 December, as our Festival of Light celebrates 55 years of care with its biggest event yet.

Each year, thousands of twinkling lights illuminate our hospice’s beautiful gardens, each one dedicated in memory of a loved one. Festival of Light is more than just a celebration – it’s a moment of reflection, remembrance, and togetherness.

This year also marks a special milestone, as 2026 celebrates 55 years of St Luke’s providing expert, compassionate care to patients and families across Sheffield.

To honour this occasion, this year’s Festival of Light will be bigger than ever before. Now spanning across both of St Luke’s sites, the event will feature more food vendors and a Christmas Market, with something for the whole family to enjoy.

Visitors can arrive from 11am at our Ecclesall Road South site (S11 9PX) to enjoy the new Christmas Market, featuring street food, festive refreshments, live entertainment from local performers and a family photo area to capture special seasonal memories.

Festival of Light will open at 4pm, with the new entrance being located on Ecclesall Road South.

Guests can view loved ones’ names in the Book of Remembrance, light a candle in their memory and enjoy a complimentary mulled wine and mince pie before the official light-switch on event begins at 6pm.

Hosted by BBC Look North presenter and long-time St Luke’s supporter Tom Ingall, the ceremony will feature heartfelt tributes from St Luke’s nurse Lynne Ghasemi and supporter Richard Scholey, who is remembering his wife Margaret at this year’s Festival of Light.

Katie Fielding, St Luke’s Community & Events Fundraising Manager, said:

“Festival of Light is loved by St Luke's supporters, and for many, it marks the start of the festive season. It’s a truly special evening where our community comes together to reflect and remember loved ones - a tradition they return to year after year.

“Thanks to the growing popularity of Festival of Light, and to celebrate our 55th year, we’re delighted to expand the event to include our Ecclesall Road South site, where we will have even more stalls and food vendors to enjoy. This exciting development will help us welcome more visitors while ensuring the event remains safe and sustainable.

“We'd like to encourage our supporters to arrive early to visit the Christmas Market, before we come together to remember loved ones and reflect on special memories.”

This year’s event is in proud partnership with First Bus, who have once again generously provided a free park and ride service running between the Abbeydale Road Tesco car park and St Luke’s. The bus service starts at approximately 10:45am, with the last return journey leaving St Luke’s at approximately 7:30pm.