Stunning poppy display to light up Conisbrough Castle once again

Conisbrough will once again commemorate the fallen as its historic castle is decorated with projected poppies from 6.30pm until 8.30pm on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Firmly in the foreground of the spectacular remembrance event will be the town’s war memorial, featuring an armed soldier, which has been given a makeover and seen its missing bayonet restored.

The Light Up the Castle project managed to gather £3,000 in online crowdfunding pledges within weeks and £1,920 in donations was raised for the restoration of the memorial.

Steve Pugh, who has organised the event with Simon Duffty, said: “We’ve had an awful lot of goodwill this year to make everything happen.

“It’s been a true community collective this year.

“Sculptor Thomas Kenrick has replaced the bayonet on the memorial and Historic Building Restorations also jet washed it all free of charge.

“The Doncaster councillors donated some money from a planning agreement too and an anonymous donor, who lives in the village, gave us some cash  — she even offered to pay for it all herself.

“Some of the wording was worn away on the plaques and the artist Darren Beachill has re-done all that.”

The castle will be illuminated with a poppy design drawn up by artist Rachel Horne and organisers are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion (RBL) and for the Conisbrough community.

Mr Pugh added: “The bayonet was first installed in 1921.

“I’ve lived in Conisbrough all my life and it might not seem like a big thing but that bayonet is a symbol of our heritage and it’s been missing for so long.

“We hope the event will once again be a success and hope to see lots of people there.”