Film Description:

Why are we so afraid of the dark that we need to brighten the world around us?
Shot at night under urban lighting, narrated by Lily Cole, "Night Burns Like Cigarettes" questions the way we consume the night as if it were nothing but cigarettes. As we have taken the habit of over-consuming, so have we taken the habit of over-lighting our cities for reasons that may not be acceptable. "Night Burns Like Cigarettes" is a testimony of love for the night, threatened by disappearance. The night makes us human and allows us to question the boundaries of the self. Meanwhile, our fear of darkness and of the unknown haunts our socio-political history-old story. Hence, the night is being arrested in the mural by Banksy that sits in the Barbican tunnel. British-Zimbabwean singer Kwaye reclaims our right to darkness via an enchanting dance performance. "Night Burns Like Cigarettes" is a nocturnal ballad in a dreamt London, better appreciated eyes open.


Dark Skies Ticket Information:

• Tickets for the film and talk are £5 and include entry to the main Dark Skies event at Hertford Castle.
• BEAM ticket holders should arrive on foot via the main pedestrian gate at The Wash, next to Wetherspoons and BEAM.
• Last entry is strictly 6:30pm. After this time, the pedestrian gates will be closed for public safety ahead of the light switch-off.
• Please note: BEAM tickets provide general admission only and do not include entry to the mobile planetarium. To book a planetarium session, please visit Events Calendar | Concerts | Shows | Hertford.

Hertford Castle Dark Skies Event Overview:

Dark Skies returns to Hertford Castle in 2026 for another immersive evening celebrating the beauty of the night sky.
This unique community event invites visitors to experience the stars with reduced artificial lighting and minimal light pollution.
Expert groups including LAPD Lighting Design, The University of Hertfordshire: Bayfordbury Observatory, and the Hertford Astronomy Group will join us for an inspiring evening of stargazing, educational talks, and hands-on activities. Highlights include a mobile planetarium and interactive learning about the impact of artificial light on people and the natural environment.
The event will have limited lighting, and therefore a proportionate cap on visitor numbers is necessary for the benefit and safety of those in attendance.