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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A magical new lantern festival is set to light up Gulliver’s World this winter / Credit: Supplied
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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Spooktacular Halloween trail to return to National Trust site Quarry Bank
Daisy Jackson
A Halloween trail is set to return to Quarry Bank Mill this autumn for one of the region’s most hauntingly beautiful seasonal events.
The National Trust site is a former working mill and one of the country’s finest industrial buildings – but as night falls and the shadows lengthen, a haunting will begin…
This year’s Halloween at Quarry Bank will again feature spooky light installations, a mesmerising laser garden, and a thrilling fire show, as well as live performances and seasonal food and drink.
Returning for a second year, Halloween at Quarry Bank will be an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Fog will swirl through the paths around the grounds, as glowing demon eyes watch over passers-by and giant skeletons loom over twisted trees.
If you’re brave enough, the trail then heads inside the mill itself, where creaking and clanking sounds of its industrial past hint at something a little more haunted.
Credit: Andrew Ogilvy PhotographyCredit: SuppliedCredit: Supplied
As you wander the trail, you’ll pass installations like glowing fire spheres and catacombs echoing with whispers from the past, plus plenty more surprises waiting in the shadows.
Then you can refuel with ‘bewitched burgers and freaky fries’, plus hot toddys and decadent hot chocolates.
You can even toast a marshmallow over an open fire.
Halloween at Quarry Bank is designed for families, couples, and groups of friends alike, and attracts visitors from all over Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Lancashire.
Entry to the trail is on a timed slot system – tickets are on sale now HERE.
Inside the brand-new rental houses at Bolton’s landmark £35m development, Deansgate Gardens
Daisy Jackson
The first residents are in, and the launch of Deansgate Gardens – a landmark £35m development in Bolton town centre – is live.
This impressive new development has brought 167 high-quality rental homes to Bolton, creating a residential neighbourhood that features rooftop terraces, gardens, and stunning communal spaces.
The homes on Deansgate, Bolton have been built specifically for renters, with spacious layouts in an ideal location just a two-minute walk from Bolton Town Hall and a short commute to Manchester.
And, unusually for new rental developments, it’s not all about apartments here (though there are beautiful one- and two-bedroom apartments with rooftop gardens available).
It’s also somewhere you can rent two-bedroom townhouses, and have your very own yard.
Every home is built with energy efficiency in mind, with heat pumps and enhanced insulation, plus rooftop solar panels on selected homes, keeping those pesky bills down.
This pet-friendly development comes from developer Placefirst, and is a key moment in the wider £1bn regeneration masterplan for Bolton.
Inside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonInside Deansgate Gardens in BoltonA spacious bedroomThe rooftop terraceView from the rooftop terrace
Deansgate Gardens is located just opposite the former Beales department store, connected by the train station, bus interchange, and town centre within walking distance.
These stylish new homes are built around a central square and communal courtyards. The result? Somewhere residents can relax, socialise, and connect.
There’s even a dedicated Resident Service Manager and 24/7 maintenance support for peace of mind.
And just a short walk away you’ll find parks like Queen’s Park, plus beautiful routes along the River Croal.
Ready to make these houses your home? Book in for a tour around Deansgate Gardens today HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
4th October 2023 
