Land of Lights returns to Rotherham with the help of super fundraiser Noah

A spectacular lantern festival which is set to light up Rotherham for the second-year running has been officially opened by young super fundraiser Noah Playforth who helped raise more than £50,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, young fundraiser Noah Playforth from Rotherham and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Hilary Massarella MBE, open Land of Lights Rotherham 2026. | Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts

placeholder image — Julie Dalton, managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, young fundraiser Noah Playforth from Rotherham and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Hilary Massarella MBE, open Land of Lights Rotherham 2026. | Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts

Following the success of the event last year, the Land of Lights festival, held at Gulliver’s Valley in Rotherham, has returned with a brand-new look and theme.

And Noah, from Maltby, joined other local dignitaries and business leaders including Deputy Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Hilary Massarella MBE and managing director of Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, Julie Dalton, to cut a ribbon and declare Land of Lights officially open for another year.

The new lanterns for 2026 on display. | Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts

Noah set out to raise £1,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice by running a mile a day during November 2025, when he was just seven-years-old. He’d asked his parents how he could help children who were poorly and soon, his efforts went viral on social media, and his initial fundraising target was quickly smashed.

More publicity followed, including an appearance on ITV’s This Morning, and he was cheered on each day by a growing army of supporters including his neighbours and members of the local Maltby community. By December 2025, he’d raised more than £50,000 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, and this year he was shortlisted in the national JustGiving awards 2026.

Land of Lights features a one-mile route, covering multiple dreamworlds and featuring an array of incredible dinosaurs, with glowing trails and fantastic scenes to light up the dark winter nights. There is also music, entertainment, and street food for the thousands of visitors expected this year.

Rachael Lyon, festival manager, said: " Thank you so much to Noah and Hilary for opening Land of Lights 2026! Noah is an absolute legend for what he has done for his local community, and for our charity partner Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, so it will be an honour for him and his family to join us and help with the big lantern switch on!

“We’re delighted to be welcoming guests back to the festival and can’t wait for families and friends to experience this year’s spectacular trail. Our team has worked incredibly hard to create another unforgettable event, packed with stunning lanterns, immersive displays and magical moments that will light up the dark winter evenings.

“Land of Lights continues to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, supporting local businesses and bringing people together during the winter season. We’re proud to offer an accessible, affordable and family-friendly experience, and we look forward to welcoming as many people as possible to see it for themselves.”

Find out more about Land of Lights at: https://rothervalley.landoflights.co.uk/