Introducing: Illuminate Together with Phoebe McBride

Inspired by light, nature and community, our upcoming project Illuminate Together brings local people of all ages together through creativity. Working with schools and community groups, the Barn will bring creative sessions to local people, where together we’ll build original lanterns using reclaimed, repurposed and natural materials.

Following an open call to find our Lead Artist for the project, we're delighted to announce that Phoebe McBride will be leading the project. Phoebe is an Aberdeen-based visual artist and community creative practitioner. With a degree in Painting and Printmaking from Glasgow School of Art, Phoebe’s work often explores the natural world and is concerned with climate change, loss and collective healing.

“I’m most excited about bringing people together through creativity and for all of the conversations that will happen around the making. Moving with the seasons into the shorter days and longer nights, community becomes more important than ever. It’ll be a really great way to share all of the small things that light us up during hard times.” - Phoebe McBride

Phoebe McBride, Lead Artist of Illuminate Together at the Barn

Our creative lantern making sessions at the Barn will include our popular Third Stage Art Programme for those over 55. The two week course is on Tuesday 27th October, and Tuesday 3rd of November, and will be available to book via our website or Box Office very soon.

If you’d like to join in with the project, you’d be welcome to join us at Plenty Festival on Sunday 4 October at the Barn. Phoebe will be running a drop-in session which will be suitable for all ages, so you can make a lantern and join in with the project. Plenty is free to attend, but we do recommend booking to avoid disappointment. You can book your space here - thebarnarts.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173676262

Illuminate Together will end in a celebration as part of the Banchory Bonfire & Firework Night (brought to you by Banchory & District Round Table) on Saturday 7 November 2026 at King George V Park.

“The lantern walk itself will be a great celebration of light, hope and community" - Phoebe

Whether you’ve made a lantern with us, or if you’d like to just watch the parade, we’d love to see you there!