A SPECIAL new exhibition that shines a light on the passions of normal people will be displayed in an area of Barnsley Civic that hasn’t been open to the public in more than a quarter of a century.

‘Come As You Really Are: A Celebration of Hobbies, Passions, and Everyday Creativity’ will officially launch on May 24 and run until August 8.

The project is presented in collaboration with award-winning artist and Spider-Man enthusiast Hetain Patel and the renowned arts organisation Artangel.

A display of rare Barnsley FC memorabilia by Frank Frostick, 150 vintage boardgames by Ann Jones and a display of drag couture created by renowned artist Magenta Pimenta will all be on show.

As will a customised Ford Fiesta and a Transformer car.

Hetain Patel said: “I’ve always been obsessed by handmade things.

“Growing up in Bolton, in a working class culturally Indian household, we ate with our hands, and many of my relatives worked as part of the manual labour force in local factories.

“The empowering thing about hobbies is choice, and doing something on our own terms.

“The creative act is really hopeful, with huge benefits to us individually and something that connects us to others regardless of our differences.”

Dr Dan Winder, chief executive and artistic director of Barnsley Civic, added: “As a fellow Boltonian, I share some of Hetain’s cultural beginnings.

“Across the north of England our cities and towns are full of people with hidden private passions.

“This wonderful exhibition, and the wider programme of events, will bring to light the extraordinary range of hobbies and personal acts of creativity that illustrate our unique individuality and our collective humanity.”