Blackburn’s Corporation Park is to host a stunning interactive display which features ‘air-filled chambers, winding paths and an awe-inspiring maze'.

The exhibition has already wowed visitors in 40 cities worldwide and is opening in the park for four days beginning on tomorrow (August 19). It has been brought to Blackburn by the organisers of the National Festival Of Making which was postponed for a second year this summer.

'Dodecalis Luminarium' was made by hand by a team of five craftspeople and took six months to complete. A personal, three-decade mission to capture the changeable beauty of light by artist, maker and Architect Of Air, Alan Parkinson, the pop-up Luminaria are inspired by Islamic architecture and the complex geometries of Gothic cathedrals.

Alan, who started developing his Luminaria in 1992, said: “I design luminaria because I want to share my sense of wonder at the phenomenon of light.

“One of the exciting things about ‘inflatable making’ is not knowing exactly what one has got until it is finally blown up outdoors and it is able to stretch out to its full extent. I am continually amazed by how well the luminaria engage people’s attention and enthusiasm.”

Lauren Zawadzki, co-founder and Director of The National Festival of Making, said: “As the summer holidays begin it’s wonderful for us to have something to look forward to and to create new memories in Blackburn. ‘Dodecalis Luminaria’ will truly be an experience like no other and one that every visitor will see and hear differently as they move around at their own pace.

“We were inspired to work with Alan and his team given his passion for designing, making and creating. From the outside the structure will be unmissable, a spectacle and photo opportunity in itself, but we’re especially looking forward to seeing the reactions of everyone that is lucky enough to step inside the incomparable, dreamlike environment.”

Visitors are being advised to book in advance to guarantee their entry, but limited tickets will be available to purchase on the door too. All ages are welcome, with tickets priced at £4 for adults and £2 for accompanied children under 16. Infants under two go free of charge, but still need a ticket to enter.

The experience is accessible to people who use a wheelchair. If you would like to discuss individual accessibility requirements with the organisers, email them at info@festivalofmaking.co.uk or call 01254 582579.