Spectacular light festival returns in November to illuminate Lancashire's night skies

Light Up Lancaster will take place at various city centre locations on November 5 and 6 and promises captivating light projections, fantastic film, colourful robotic inflatables and magical giant lanterns, with a spectacular fireworks finale.

The fireworks will be launched from Lancaster Castle on Saturday November 6 by British Musical Fireworks Champions, Sirotechnics and on both nights, the historic building will also be the venue for Leap, a moving blend of projection mapping, animation, film, soundscape and heartrending storytelling across landscape and time.

Among other highlights will be The Hourglass, an impressive 4m high sculptural piece accompanied with a story by a poet/rapper in Market Square, and Dream Garden by the internationally famous Liverpool Lantern Company which will see Dalton Square in full bloom as plants and flowers burst into life.

Cabinet member for arts and culture, councillor Sandra Thornberry, said: “After having to cancel last year’s event due to the pandemic we're looking forward to welcoming people back to Light Up Lancaster and what promises to be an exciting two days.

“The event is always a highlight of the calendar and showcases how art and culture can be used to illuminate the history and heritage of our wonderful city, as well as supporting the local economy through increased footfall in the city centre.

“A massive thank you must go to all those organisations who are supporting and sponsoring this year’s event.”

Other locations hosting imaginative light installations include Sun Square, Lancaster Priory, the Storey Gardens, The Dukes, the Judges’ Lodgings garden, and an Exploration Zone inside The Storey.

New for 2021 will be a Saturday daytime arts fair, a shop windows trail, which will continue after the festival, and three new light art commissions from the Light Up The North’s SHINE programme.

All events are within walking distance of each other and are completely free.

Wristbands will be required for the fireworks official viewing areas at Giant Axe and Quay Meadow.

They will be available online from www.lightuplancaster.co.uk from September 20.

Flights of the Imagination is the theme of this year’s free two-day festival which will provide a welcome antidote to the difficult Covid times everyone has experienced over the past 18 months.

Light Up Lancaster is organised by Lancaster City Council, Lancaster BID and The Dukes.

It is funded by Arts Council England, Lancaster City Council and Lancaster BID.