Light Up Lancaster returns

The two-night arts festival, now in its third year, starts aweek on Friday November 6 with the spectacular firework display on the Saturday.

Last year, Light up Lancaster attracted 21,000 visitors to the city, with over 20% coming from outside the district, generating over half a million pounds for the local economy.

This year’s event look likelt to be a showstopper and has been designed to be playful and fun, perfect for all the family.

Julie Brown, event producer, said: “With its rich cultural heritage, Lancaster is the perfect setting for a festival of art and light.

“We’re encouraging people to come out into the Lancaster autumn evening and play, to dress up in their own illuminated outfits and for the audiences to really become part of the event. And Lancaster people are always so enthusiastic, so we know they’ll engage with gusto.”

On the Friday evening, Lancaster’s historic buildings and hidden corners will be 
illuminated and brought alive through theatre, dance, projection and light.

Visit Lancaster on Saturday during the day and you can enjoy a host of activities for all the family, from walks to workshops plus tours of the castle and lantern making.

Then in the evening, watch the Lancaster Fireworks Spectacular with an array of amazing pyrotechnics launched from Lancaster Castle with BBC Radio Lancashire presenters due back again this year to broadcast live from Quay Meadow.

Performers will include Fiery Lights at Lancaster Castle, The Kings Bench at Judges Lodgings, Distant Voices and Lucent at Lancaster Priory Church, Aviary Arcadia at Sun Square, Delight at New Street Square, Shadowlands at Lancaster Library, And the Band Played plus The Bazaar of Illumination at Market Square and The People Pavilion.

Plus don’t miss the Light Up Your Pooch, a parade of illuminated dogs and their owners.

This cultural event, funded by Lancaster City Council, Arts Council of England, Lancaster Arts City, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster Unlimited and sponsored by the Duchy of Lancaster and the University of Cumbria has already achieved nationwide recognition and is set to become a destination annual event across the North West.

For more information and to order wristbands for viewing Saturday’s fireworks event from two of the city’s official vantage points – Giant Axe and Quay Meadow – visit www.lightuplancaster.co.uk Wristbands can also be picked up from town halls and visitor information centres.