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Lightopia returns to Heaton Park this Christmas with new festive ‘fantasy’ installations

Lightopia will bring new artistic illuminated displays with unique fantasy themed installations and light shows this year.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 7th September 2021

Award-winning illuminations event Lightopia is returning to Manchester with a new Christmas Fantasy adventure at Heaton Park.

Featuring an illuminated trail with multi-sensory interactive lights, lanterns and installations, Lightopia is back for its third successive year in Manchester in just a couple of months time, after a successful run in 2020. The popular event will bring a “fantasy festive world for family and friends filled with mythical creatures”.

The Grade I-listed Heaton Hall will play host to a Christmas Spectacular, with a 9ft bauble-inspired Christmas tree and an immersive stand-alone giant bauble for visitors to walk inside of.

Lightopia 2021 will also feature a fantastical Magic Circus display, complete with illusional installations and interactive entertainment as clowns, animals and magicians take charge of the night. 

A giant Earth Flower will also be on display, which will be surrounded by 10 musical drums and powering a Field of Love with 50,000 hearts filling the floor.

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The Grade I-listed Heaton Hall will play host to Lightopia’s Christmas Spectacular from this November / Credit: Lightopia

A Time Travel zone will contain holographic time portals and a colourful time tunnel complete with digital interactions, whilst an enchanted Fantasy Forest will introduce visitors to mythical creatures hidden in the woodland, including a nine tailed fox and unicorns.

Lightopia 2021 will also be home Dragon’s Land featuring huge 40m dragons and fabled fairies; Candy Land – a sweet-inspired illuminated dreamland; Fantasy Bees – where iconic insects are brought to life in a fantasy world; and a Wonders of the World display with giant mirrored, glistening crystals and gems.

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There will also be a Lakeside Water Show – a new fantasy production created especially for 2021.

Speaking ahead of the festival’s return to Heaton Park, Ian Xiang – Creative Director of Lightopia – said: “We are excited to bring a brand new concept to Manchester this winter, a fantasy world that has never been seen before. Lightopia 2021 will be a dream world adventure for families and friends to escape to this Christmas.

“We want our guests to become part of this new fantasy Lightopia experience, as they interact and engage with the luminescent sculptures that trail through Heaton Park.”

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Ava Moradi – Creative Designer for Lightopia – added: “This year, Lightopia will bring new artistic illuminated displays with unique fantasy themed installations and light shows.

“My main focus as an artist is for this immersive light experience to bring happiness and joy; making this festive day out a go-to place for friends and family to celebrate together through the magical trail.”

Lightopia will be open to the public from Thursday 18 November – Monday 3 January.

The event is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except during school holidays, and it will also close on Christmas Day.

Opening times are between 5pm to 10pm, and last entry is 8:30pm daily.

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For those looking to plan ahead with friends and family this Christmas, you can sign-up for a 15% discount on your tickets via the Lightopia website.

Lightopia is promising a ‘state-of-the-art’ lakeside water show for 2021 / Credit: Lightopia

Advance tickets are priced at £20 for adults (or £22 on the day), £13 for children (or £15 on the day), and £60 for families of two adults and two children (£68 on the day). Children under three can go free.

Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free, the disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee.

You can grab your tickets here.

Featured Image – Lightopia

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The best light trails around Greater Manchester to explore this winter

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The best Christmas light trails in and around Greater Manchester

Well done Manchester, we’ve finally done it – with the amount of light trails illuminating our skyline this winter, you might be able to see us from space.

Who doesn’t love a light trail? The incredible views that brighten up the dreary winter nights, the synchronised wows as we gaze at the statues and figures along the way, or the hot chocolate waiting for you at the end that greets you like a warm hug.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best light trails around Greater Manchester for you to explore this winter.

The 10 best Christmas light trails in and around Manchester 2024

1. Yuletide – Tatton Park

A festive event with a difference is taking over Tatton Park this winter, bringing folklore stories to life with illuminated puppets, live music and storytelling.

The latest seasonal event from Wild Rumpus, ‘Yuletide’ will captivate families as they explore the stunning illuminated landscape.⁠

Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a ‘truly magical experience’.

  • Dates: 16 November to 23 December
  • Tickets: £12 for children, £20 for adults
  • Bookings: HERE

2. Land of Lights – Gulliver’s World

We’ve found a light trail with a difference for you to explore this winter – a magical world of glowing lanterns has taken over Gulliver’s World, and it’s a brand-new installation for 2024.

‘Land of Lights’ is a one-mile trail that showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, with loads of nature-inspired enchanting realms to explore from Fantasy Forest, Ice Kingdom and Winged Wonders.

Plus you can treat yourself to a hot chocolate or toast some marshmallows on your way round, and then fill yourself up with Yorkshire pudding wraps and crumble at the end.

  • Dates: On now until 4 January
  • Tickets: From £15 when booking in advance
  • Bookings: HERE

3. The Christmas Trail – The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre‘s hidden woodland has been transformed into a festive wonderland, with stunning light displays, Santa’s sleigh and, of course, mulled wine at the ready for the adults.

There are even free marshmallow toasting and letter-writing stations for the kids to get their Christmas lists ready.

Then there’s food from Freight Island’s traders, including premium smashed burgers from a Michelin chef, southern fried buttermilk chicken, cheese toasties and more. Plus, kids eat free for ticket holders when buying an adult meal.

  • Dates: On now until 2 January
  • Tickets: £8 for children, £10 for adults, £32 for families
  • Bookings: HERE

4. Ignite Fire Festival – Rochdale Town Hall

Ignite Fire Festival Rochdale tickets
Ignite Fire Festival is back in Rochdale this month. (Credit: Supplied)

Goblets of fire, a daisy chain of flaming flowers, a firebird with blazing eyes and even fire eaters – it could only be the return of ‘Ignite Fire Festival’. ⁠

Rochdale will be looking extra glowy next week when the free event by Walk the Plank arts group fills the gardens opposite @rochdaletownhall with dazzling pyrotechnic displays.⁠

There’ll be three nights of fiery displays, culminating in the annual Christmas lights switch-on.⁠

  • Dates: 22-24 November
  • Tickets: Free
  • Bookings: HERE

5. Spectrum: A World of Illumination – Knutsford

light trails in cheshire
A new festive light maze is heading to Cheshire for the first time this December. (Credit: Supplied)

There’s a brand-new festive light maze heading to Cheshire this Christmas, and it sounds absolutely a-maze-ing (so, so sorry).

‘A World of Illumination’ ⁠will feature giant candy canes, tunnels of light, and an overhead laser show all hidden inside a festive maze. ⁠There’s much more than meets the eye with this light trail and

And the eagle-eyed amongst you can look out for hidden handles and buttons which lead to secret rooms and festive treasures.

  • Dates: 29 November to 24 December
  • ⁠Tickets: £14.25 for children, £20.21 for adults
  • Bookings: Via Eventbrite HERE

6. The Twilight Trail – Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park has launched their impressive illuminated trail which covers six and a half acres of land and houses more than 50,000 lights.

But I’m guessing you probably knew that considering their unmissable light-up floor has been all over our social media feeds.

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There are also some incredible offerings with food vendors in collaboration with Freight Island, a known and trusted foodie favourite.

  • Dates: 14 November to 31 December
  • Tickets: £9.90 for children, £12.10 for adults
  • Bookings: HERE

7. Christmas at Dunham Massey – Cheshire

dunham massey light trail 2024 tickets
Arguably the toast of Cheshire’s light trail offerings. (Credit: Supplied)

This National Trust site is one of the founding godfathers when it comes to light trails and has been consistent ever since they first lit up the iconic house and its gardens.

Whether your favourite part is the lit-up moat, the array of bright figures and statues, or toasting a marshmallow, Dunham Massey has got you covered.

Being an important hub for wildlife, each ticket sold helps with the conservation and care of this UK historical landmark.

  • Dates: 15 November to 1 January
  • Tickets: £16 for children ,£24 for adults
  • Bookings: HERE

8. Lanterns and Light – Chester Zoo

Light trail Chester Zoo
Always one of the best Christmas light trails every year. (Credit: Supplied)

Boasting their longest light trail yet as well as an appearance from Father Christmas, Chester Zoo is pulling out all the stops.

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Alongside the walk, guests will be able to interact with brand-new puppets and let loose on the fun fairground rides.

And, for the first time ever, the light trail at this Zoo is even taking bookings for New Year’s Day, so you can brighten your future in 2025.

  • Dates: 15 November to 1 January
  • Tickets: Off-peak from just £12 for kids 3-16, adults £18, toddlers £2.50; babies and carers go free
  • Bookings: HERE

9. Put Big Light On – Bolton

Running for four nights only in December, the festival aptly named after what your Mum shouts five times a day is back in Bolton town centre.

This festival prides itself on bringing experiences to all and this year visitors get to admire ‘Gaia’.

This six-metre-wide illuminated Earth replica will be on display throughout the festival’s duration, and is a direct detail comparison of the imagery NASA utilises. Wow!

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  • Dates: 5-8 December
  • Tickets: Free
  • Bookings: No tickets required

10. Lightwaves Salford – MediaCityUK

This Salford special has stood as one of the most beloved light trails in Manchester for some time now.

Spread across two kilometres and branded as ‘MediaCity‘s winter season highlight’, this experience features 14 different art installations that are set to be awe-inspiring.

One of the most engaging pieces, ‘I Caught a…’, will change throughout the night with a varying display of animals pictured in a cage.

Originally commissioned in 2021, ‘Through No 4’ will receive a glow-up with some innovative lights helping to really enhance this pretty little project located along Salford Quays.

  • Dates: 5-8 December
  • Tickets: FREE!
  • Bookings: No tickets required

Read more:

So whether you’re a light trail enthusiast or just coming along for the ride, just don’t forget to have lots of fun this festive season.

Happy (light) trails!

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – Publicity pictures (supplied)

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Chatsworth House – The Peak District stately home that’s been transformed into a Christmas wonderland

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Chatsworth House at Christmas. Credit: The Sheff

Chatsworth House is one of the great gems of the UK, and now that winter is rolling around this stately home in the Peak District has been made even more magical.

For this year’s festive transformation, the grand manor house has been filled with twinkling lights, enormous Christmas trees, and light projections.

Around every corner you’ll find another magnificent hall or corridor dressed up to the nines for the season.

There are more than 20 different rooms that you can explore at Chatsworth House this Christmas, and you’ll feel a million miles away from the city.

The house even SMELLS like Christmas, with Chatsworth collaborating with fragrance experts creating scents like chocolate, gingerbread, and the smells of a kitchen on Christmas Day.

There’s even a Christmas Market in the grounds, with more than 100 exhibitors offering themed gifts, food and drink – you can even toast marshmallows or grab a bratwurst.

Chatsworth House at Christmas. Credit: The Sheff
Chatsworth House at Christmas. Credit: The Sheff
The banquet at Chatsworth House. Credit: The Sheff
The banquet at Chatsworth House. Credit: The Sheff
Every corner is magical. Credit: The Sheff
Every corner is magical. Credit: The Sheff

This year, the Christmas event has been themed around an original new story written exclusively for Chatsworth House by former children’s laureate, Joseph Coelho OBE.

Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast is inspired by the house itself and the life of Henry Cavendish, and follows young Henry and his accomplice, a little lion (inspired by the statues in the Sculpture Gallery).

You’ll spot the book’s illustrations in the scenery and decorations all around Chatsworth House, and see a banquet laid out in the Great Dining Room.

Other events this season will include pop-up theatres, and an illuminated light trail embracing its best-loved garden landmarks.

Chatsworth House at Christmas. Credit: The Sheff
Chatsworth House at Christmas. Credit: The Sheff
Chatsworth House Christmas Markets. Credit: The Sheff
Chatsworth House Christmas Markets. Credit: The Sheff
Chatsworth House at Christmas. Credit: The Sheff
Chatsworth House at Christmas. Credit: The Sheff

Joseph Coelho, author of ‘Henry and the Lion’s Christmas Feast’ said: “It was such a wonderful challenge to be invited to write a new book that would inspire the Christmas decorations at Chatsworth this year.

“I was really captivated by the life of Henry Cavendish and his amazing scientific experiments, and I got great ideas from visiting the house and grounds, especially going through the Sculpture Gallery when I saw the two great lions. I thought how interesting it would be to put the Chatsworth lion and Henry Cavendish face to face and give them a little adventure together. 

“I hope that visitors come to Chatsworth and, seeing the decorations, are inspired by all the Christmassy mischief that Henry and the lion get up to and leave with that excited bubbly feeling you get when you know that Christmas is around the corner.”

If anything is going to get you in the festive spirit, it’s a wander around Chatsworth House.

Find out more and book your tickets HERE.

Read more

Featured image: The Sheff

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