Flights of the Imagination is the theme of this year’s free two day Light Up Lancaster festival which will provide a welcome antidote to the difficult COVID times everyone has experienced over the past 18 months.
Light Up Lancaster takes place at various city centre locations from November 5-6 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 the Saturday by British Musical Fireworks Champions, Sirotechnics and on both nights, this historic building also will 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.
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.
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.
Councillor Sandra Thornberry, cabinet member for arts and culture 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.
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
Fundraiser launched to support Lancaster Chinese New Year Festival
Lancaster man to run Manchester Half Marathon in honour of his parents
Lancaster young artists invited to design Mayor’s official Christmas card
Future of primary school near Lancaster under consultation over falling pupil numbers
Lancaster city centre store hit with closure order
Mental health nurse role helps children at Royal Lancaster Infirmary get support sooner
Dog ban on Morecambe beaches lifted until May
Next chapter for Williamson Park café redevelopment begins
Couple ‘absolutely heartbroken’ after announcing departure from popular Morecambe Bay pub
Lancaster village set for royal visit
INTERVIEWS: Pride in Place officially opens offices in West End of Morecambe
Lancaster community centre awarded £94,000 Children in Need funding boost
Christmas free parking announced for shoppers in the Lancaster district
Police investigate spate of rural burglaries across Lancaster and Morecambe district
Lancaster on Ice confirmed to return after councillors grant permission
Man jailed for historic sexual offences at his equestrian yard
Patient Impact Award for Lancaster University researcher
Three arrests made in Lancaster police crackdown as e-bikes seized
Partnership delivers knockout results for young people in Lancaster
Morecambe hosts counter pollution training exercise
