Award-winning illuminations event Lightopia is returning to Manchester for a third successive year in 2021 with a new Christmas Fantasy adventure at Heaton Park.
Featuring an illuminated trail with multi-sensory interactive lights, lanterns and installations, Lightopia is described as 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 immersive stand-alone giant bauble which visitors can walk inside.
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, surrounded by 10 musical drums and powering a Field of Love with 50,000 hearts filling the floor.
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A fantastical Magic Circus display is coming to Lightopia this year
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 two 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.
Ian Xiang, Creative Director of Lightopia, says: “We are excited to bring a brand new Lightopia 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.
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“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.”
Lightopia 2021 will also be home Dragon’s Land featuring two huge 40m dragons and fabled fairies
Creative Designer for Lightopia, Ava Moradi 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 Friday 19 November until Monday 3 January.
The event is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except during school holidays. It will also close on Christmas Day.
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Opening times are between 5pm to 10pm, and last entry is 8.30pm daily.
For those looking to plan ahead with friends and family this Christmas, you can sign-up for Lightopia’s pre-sale now with your email online for 20% off the ticket price.
General ticket sales will be available on Wednesday 28 July.
Lightopia is promising a ‘state-of-the-art’ lakeside water show for 2021
Advance tickets are priced at £20.00 for adults (or £22.00 on the day), £13.00 for children (or £15.00 on the day), and £60.00 for families of two adults and two children (£68.00 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.
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Follow on Instagram and Facebook @lightopiafestival #Lightopia.
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
You can now have dinner in the actual dressing rooms at Co-op Live
Daisy Jackson
Co-op Live has now launched exclusive backstage dining experiences – which means you could be having dinner inside the very dressing rooms that have hosted music megastars.
These new groundbreaking new Backstage Private Dining experiences feature menus curated by Simon Rimmer.
This will be the first time that the arena’s most exclusive artist areas have been open to guests.
There’ll be 10 selected dates from May 2026, where ticket-holders can eat dinner in dressing rooms that were previously occupied by the likes of Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen.
Guests will be able to choose from several packages, from intimate receptions and private three-course dinners inside the dressing rooms, to lavish extras like a Bentley chauffeur-driven arrival, live entertainment, and extended backstage access.
The most premium package will also offer access to Co-op Live’s adidas Originals recording studio.
Proceeds from the Backstage Private Dining will go towards supporting Co-op Live’s official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation, which tackles inequality and supports communities across the UK.
Chef Simon Rimmer commented: “Having worked with Co-op Live for some time, it’s incredibly exciting to now be involved with this unique series of Backstage Private Dining.
“It’s a rare opportunity to further combine the world-class music venue with exceptional food, and I can’t wait to showcase how these experiences can come to life together, creating truly unforgettable evenings for our guests.”
Becci Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer at Co-op Live, said: “From day one, our ambition has been to challenge expectations of what an arena can deliver, and we’re now delighted to introduce a new dimension of premium hospitality at Co-op Live.
“This collaboration unlocks new creative potential within the venue, offering experiences that have not previously been possible. It reflects our commitment to innovation and meaningful impact within the communities we support.”
Designed and delivered in partnership with Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), Founder and CEO Liz Taylor said: “Opportunities like this are rare. Co-op Live is a venue built for scale, spectacle and ambition — and that’s exactly how we are approaching these events.
“Whether it’s an intimate milestone celebration or a brand hosting at the highest level, these will be immersive, one-night-only experiences designed to deliver real impact. We are proud to have been chosen to help shape this next chapter, bringing creativity, precision and bold thinking to a space that demands nothing less.”
The Manc -
16th July 2021 
