Barnsley Lights Up with Tech-Driven AND Festival's 10th Spectacular Edition!

Barnsley has been selected to host the 10th edition of the AND Festival, a unique event that blends technology and art. Scheduled to take place from September 25 to September 27 next year, the festival promises to bring a range of digital art, film screenings, and live performances to the town. The festival is organized by Abandon Normal Devices, a group known for pushing the boundaries of art and technology. They have announced that this year’s event will showcase extraordinary digital art and interactive experiences, aiming to inspire both residents and visitors.

Robin Franklin, who is the cabinet spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture at Barnsley Council, expressed his excitement about the festival coming to Barnsley. He said, 'We are so excited to partner with AND and bring this innovative, world-leading digital arts festival to Barnsley. ' Franklin believes the festival will offer amazing experiences, especially for young people, sparking curiosity and encouraging learning and ambition. He also mentioned that hosting the festival shows Barnsley’s commitment to exploring what digital technologies can offer the community.

The AND Festival will feature XR installations, which use extended reality technology to create immersive art experiences. There will also be live performances, film screenings, and talks from leading experts in digital art and technology. The festival is known for combining live shows with striking visual displays. Since its start in 2009, the festival has been held in places like the Peak District and the Manchester Ship Canal, transforming these locations into creative spaces. Abandon Normal Devices describes itself as a radical arts organization based in the North of England but working globally. Chief executive Tadeo Lopez-Sendon said, 'AND has transformed landscapes across the North into electrifying spaces for artistic and creative experimentation. ' He recalled how, in 2017, the festival reimagined the caves and valleys of the Peak District with sound, performance, and ethereal visual landscapes, creating unique experiences that could only happen in those settings. The festival is a chance for people to see how art and technology can come together in exciting ways.