Blackburn's Corporation Park will be the only place in the North West where you can experience the 'Dodecalis Luminarium' - a creation of 'air-filled chambers, winding paths and a maze of colour'.

The ‘walk-in rainbow’ heads to the town between Thursday 19 August to Sunday 22 August having already wowed visitors in 40 cities. 

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 is inspired by Islamic architecture and the complex geometries of Gothic cathedrals. 

Alan and his team aim to design and build a new model each year. The team of makers cut and assemble thousands of pieces of PVC and zips during a period of six months to create the monumental sculptures. After its five-year life cycle, they are cut into pieces and recycled.

The display is being brought to Blackburn by the annual National Festival Of Making which was postponed for a second year this summer.

Parkinson, 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.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

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.”

Cllr Zainab Rawat of Blackburn with Darwen Council said: “I am delighted that Blackburn is the only place within the North West where this is taking place. It is an incredible installation and will attract visitors from far and wide and it further establishes Blackburn’s reputation as a place where culture is very much valued and prioritised. 

“We know first-hand the wider benefits that major cultural events bring to our borough as demonstrated by our internationally renowned National Festival of Making. So, it is fantastic that Blackburn will become the temporary home to host this truly interactive, family-focused occasion. The producers and council colleagues have worked hard to make sure this will be an affordable and memorable family event for everyone to enjoy.”

The capacity of Dodecalis Luminarium will be constantly monitored and visitors are being advised to book in advance to guarantee their entry. 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.

For tickets click here