This year’s Light up Lancaster event is set to return this weekend, with plenty of cultural events across the city.
The two-night arts festival, now in its third year, takes place on Friday 6th November with the annual spectacular firework display on Saturday 7th November.
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.
What’s new for 2015?
This year’s event looks to be a show stopper and has been designed to be playful and fun; perfect for all the family.
J”Lancaster is the perfect setting for a festival of art and light, with its rich cultural heritage,” says J
“This year we want to have a really fun event for everyone, with lots of opportunities to get involved. 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!”
Coun Darren Clifford, Cabinet member with responsibility for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “Now in its fourth year, Light up Lancaster is established itself as a ‘must see’ event. It showcases just how local art and culture can be used to illuminate the history and heritage of our small city and show off its big story.
“It’s a real partnership event and the Lancaster Arts Partners deserve a huge amount of praise for their organisation of not just Light up Lancaster but also their other events, including First Fridays, which make the city such a lively and attractive place for residents and visitors.
“Their work, in addition to events organised and funded by the Lancaster Business Improvement District, are crucial to the city’s future regeneration.
“The city council is proud to support their work and also the many other event organisers across the district who play such a vital part in the district’s economy.”
Friday evening, Lancaster’s historic buildings and hidden corners will be illuminated and brought alive through theatre, dance, projection and light. This family friendly event is designed so that everyone sees the city as they’ve never seen it before.
Visit Lancaster on Saturday during the day and 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 fireworks launched from Lancaster Castle with BBC Radio Lancashire presenters due back again this year to broadcast live from Quay Meadow.
Who’s lined up to take part
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 on 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.
The delivery of Light Up Lancaster is supported by Storm Consultancy, The Dukes, Water Sculptures and Better with Jam Marketing Agency who created the exciting new brand for this year’s event.
• For more information on the event visit: www.lightuplancaster.co.uk