The countdown has well and truly begun to this year’s ‘Light Up Lancaster‘ Festival – a weekend of light, art and fireworks across the city.
The two-night festival, now in its third year, takes place on Friday 6th November with the annual spectacular firework display on 7th November.
Funded by Lancaster City Council, Arts Council of England, Lancaster Arts City, Lancashire County Council, Lancaster Unlimited, The Duchy of Lancaster and the University of Cumbria, this year’s event promises to be a magical weekend celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The festival will begin with an illuminated arts trail for all the family through the streets of Lancaster city centre on the Friday evening. This will be followed on the Saturday by a host of day time activities from walks to workshops plus tours of the castle and lantern making before eyes turn to the skies for the annual fireworks spectacular at 8pm on Saturday night.
With a number of new opportunities for everyone to throw themselves into the festival spirit this year, members of the public are invited to dress up, light up and razzle dazzle with their illuminated creations to add to the community spirit of the event.
There are some great prizes on offer for illuminated people – and even their pets!There are prizes for ‘best dressed four legged friend’, sponsored by Bay Vets, and prizes on offer for best dressed families and individuals including a £50 voucher from BHS, tickets for The Dukes Christmas show and a star prize of dinner for two and overnight stay at newly refurbished The Lodge in Slyne.
All those entering are invited to the Pampered Pooch and People Parlour in Market Square on the Friday evening, where a professional photographer will snap every illuminated entrant. All the photos will be posted on the festival’s website after the event and a panel of judges will select the prize-winners.
(Note that this competition is only taking place on Friday and if your pets are at all nervous about loud noises or fireworks then we’d strongly suggest you don’t consider entering them. Pets must be illuminated responsibly and safely, using recommended pet accessories. For guidance on illuminating your pets from Bay Vets, go to www.lightuplancaster.co.uk/info)
Saturday evening’s Fireworks Spectacular will be launched from the top of Lancaster Castle from 8pm with BBC Radio Lancashire presenters back again this year to broadcast the specially coordinated firework music live from Quay Meadow.
Although the free wristbands to watch the fireworks from Quay Meadow and Giant Axe have now been allocated, other official viewing areas which do not require wristbands are Williamson Park and Salt Ayre Sports Centre.
Wherever you are on the night, if you can see the castle and tune into Radio Lancashire you’ll be able to enjoy the full light and sound experience.
• Full details of Light Up Lancaster 2015 including a programme of events can be found at www.lightuplancaster.co.uk . Programmes are also available to pick up at public venues including town halls and visitor information centres in Lancaster and Morecambe, the Dukes on Moor Lane and the Assembly Rooms Emporium on King Street, Lancaster