A new lantern festival is coming to one of North West’s best-loved theme parks this winter, and it sounds like the most magical family day out.
In what is a first-of-its-kind attraction for the local area, Land of Lights is set to transform Gulliver’s World in Warrington into an immersive winter wonderland with 12 “vivid dreamworlds” full of dozens of gigantic lanterns that are inspired by animals, mega monuments, and wonders of the natural world.
As the sun goes down and the nights draw in, visitors will be able to explore an amazing array of light installations as they walk all around the park.
More than 7,000 individual lanterns and hundreds of thousands of LED lights create the spectacle.
Setting the festive scene and bringing the magic from 11 November, Land of Lights is arriving in Warrington after it was held for the first time ever at Gulliver’s Land down in Milton Keynes last year, and proved to be a smash-hit success that was visited by thousands.
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Land of Lights is the award-winning work of the Zigong Lantern Group, and more than 100 people have been involved in the production process.
With each lantern and light installation in the festival having been carefully-handcrafted by skilled artisans, the Warrington attraction has taken more than six months to design, manufacture, and artistically finish.
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As well as all of the show-stopping lanterns and light installations to marvel at, visitors will also have the chance to tuck into a feast of festive-themed street food and drinks all throughout the festival too.
Craig Clews, who is the Land of Lights festival manager, said organisers “can’t wait” to welcome the festival to Warrington in a couple of weeks time.
Speaking ahead of the festival’s arrival, Craig said: “Land of Lights is a spectacular, illuminated attraction that will provide people from the local area with a great night out, as well as attract visitors from far and wide to the area to experience the breathtaking moments and awe-inspiring installations bursting with energy and culture.
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“The festival proved to be enormously popular in Milton Keynes last year, so we’re confident it’ll wow audiences here too.
“Alongside our usual must-visit Christmas events and activities, it’s definitely going to be an autumn and winter to remember here at Gulliver’s World.”
Land of Lights is made up of 12 ‘vivid dreamworlds’ / Credit: Supplied
Land of Lights is arriving at Gulliver’s World in Warrington from 11 November, and will run right through to 25 February 2024 – with tickets now already on sale and prices starting from only £12, so it’s best to get booking early if you want to save a few pennies.
For exclusive sneak peaks, ticket announcements, and more event content news, you can also sign up to the exclusive Lands of Lights mailing list here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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‘Manny’s Loudest’ brunch event returns this month with live performances and DJ sets
Daisy Jackson
A brunch event that showcases Manchester’s vast musical talent is returning to the city this month for its second instalment.
Manny’s Loudest, created by Loud__Mcr who provide a platform for untapped talent, will again be helping artists to kick-start their careers over the bank holiday weekend.
Alongside live performances and DJ sets, there’ll be food served up by NamFuzion, which blends Vietnamese and Jamaican grill.
The first Manny’s Loudest event in February pulled in 500 people, and organisers are hoping to push this even further for part two on 26 May.
It will all be taking place at the Manchester Recording Studios in Hulme, which has a capacity of 600.
Mervin and his team will be creating an immersive audience experience around the DJ decks, which Mervin describes as ‘a niche that can be scaled into the modern day talent show but with a party twist to it’.
Manny’s Loudest – a brunch event showcasing new talent – returns to Manchester
And every penny made from Loud__Mcr’s brunch event is put back into the process, acquiring mainstream headliners to perform and become part of their community.
It means that up-and-coming and undiscovered talent can perform on the same stage as experienced artists, providing an unparalleled platform and a chance to learn from those who have been in the industry for longer.
Loud__Mcr are proud to be providing artists with a chance to show their creative work, but also offering a supportive community.
Event organisers are also looking for any possible sponsor opportunities to help promote the event.
Manny’s Loudest will take place at Manchester Recording Studios in Hulme (3 Archway, Birley Fields, M15 5QJ) on 26 May. You can get your tickets here, and follow @Loud__mcr on Instagram for updates.
Popular activewear brand Tala launches physical shop in Selfridges
Daisy Jackson
Tala, a popular British athleisure brand famed for its flattering range of womenswear, has officially launched in Selfridges.
The fashion label has opened a pop-up in the Trafford Centre today, showcasing a selection of its beautiful clothing and accessories.
The brand, founded by entrepreneur and influencer Grace Beverley, is famed for its stylish sports bras, comfortable leggings, and flattering dresses and tops.
Tala has built up a loyal following thanks to collections like DayFlex, Sculpt Seamless, Signature Sweats, and 365 Sculpting Lounge, much of which will be available to browse inside Selfridges.
It’s the first time Tala has ever had a physical retail presence, launching in all four Selfridges stores across the country (including Manchester’s two department stores at the Trafford Centre and Exchange Square).
The pop-up space at Selfridges Trafford Centre has been decorated with soft neutral colours, halo lighting, and plants.
Tala’s range of athleisure is now available to browse in Selfridges in ManchesterTala has opened a pop-up inside Selfridges Trafford Centre
Grace Beverley, who will greet shoppers at Selfridges Trafford Centre tomorrow at Tala’s launch event, said: “Anyone who knows Tala knows that we – and I – are completely product-obsessed, so for customers to be able to try on their favorite Tala pieces in person is incredibly exciting, and I couldn’t think of a better place to start than Selfridges, a retailer that holds so much history within its walls.”
Morgan Fowles, CEO of Tala, added: “We’re very excited to be launching Tala at Selfridges. It’s a milestone moment to experience our brand in a physical retail environment for the first time, to feel and experience the quality and unique attributes of our products that set our brand apart.”
And Bosse Myhr, buying director of menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear at Selfridges, said: “Selfridges has selected a beautiful edit of new and best-selling Tala products and will bring them to life in their exciting and unique retail environment.
The fountains outside Selfridges at the Trafford Centre, Manchester
“Known for curating the finest and most innovative brands whilst sharing our commitment to ESG, Selfridges provides the perfect backdrop to connect with a broader audience whilst strengthening our bonds with our community.
“We are thrilled to welcome activewear brand, TALA to Selfridges as their first physical retail partner globally. It’s really important at Selfridges to nurture and platform emerging brands, and so we are super excited to be working with talented entrepreneur and founder Grace Beverley.”
A curated selection of highlights from Tala’s range is now available to browse in person in Selfridges Trafford Centre and Selfridges Exchange Square – and you need to get your hands on these leggings to believe how soft they are.