Light Up Lancaster’s explore week returns for half term family fun
Light Up Lancaster’s explore week returns to the city over half term
Families are invited to get creative this October as Explore Week returns to Lancaster, bringing five days of free hands-on activities, workshops and interactive experiences to The Storey during the half-term holidays.
Running from October 26 to 30, Explore Week is designed to spark curiosity, creativity and imagination through a mix of art and science activities.
Delivered in partnership with Lancaster University’s Engagement Team, with support from the University’s Impact Acceleration Account programme, the programme provides an exciting introduction to the themes behind Lancaster’s annual festival of light and art.
Workshops generally take place between 10am – 12pm and 2pm – 4pm, and families can just drop in - no need to book!
With 40 free workshops across the week, there’s something for children of all ages.
Young explorers can build and race miniature solar-powered Lego cars with Lancaster University’s Physics Department, create glowing clay houses inspired by Lancaster’s historic buildings, or experiment with long-exposure photography in a Painting with Light workshop.
Creative highlights include weaving illuminated willow bird lanterns with Mudfolk, designing glow-in-the-dark flags under UV light, taking part in Ludus Dance’s energetic ‘Raving With Power’ workshops, and exploring the fascinating world of AI through the interactive ‘AI Investigators: Spot the Bot’ activity.
Whilst most of the activity takes place at The Storey, there are also shadow puppetry workshops taking place at the Judges’ Lodgings nearby on Thursday and Friday.
Explore Week leads into the main Light Up Lancaster festival, which takes place from November 5 to 7 and transforms Lancaster city centre with spectacular illuminated artworks, projections, performances and installations.
Visitors can experience light art across the city’s historic streets, public spaces and heritage venues, making it one of the highlights of Lancaster’s cultural calendar.
For full details of Explore Week and the main festival programme visit https://www.lightuplancaster.co.uk/