Lightopia is returning to Heaton Park this winter – and general tickets are on sale now

Heaton Park is preparing to host a spectacular festive celebration this winter – with Lightopia returning for a new, socially-distance edition of adventures, lights, lanterns, sculptures and shows.

The 2020 edition of Lightopia promises a feast for the senses, including dazzling sound and light displays and a socially-distanced magical illuminated trail.

The Grade I-listed Heaton Hall will serve as a backdrop to the new Christmas showcase – featuring Santa’s sleigh, glistening snowflakes and a giant interactive piano for guests to create their own winter soundtrack.

The festival will also be home to an immersive Astronomy display, Zodiac Sign installation, and Musical City that encourages visitors to dance their way through the lights.

General sale tickets are available right now online.

The popular Animals attraction will return, and much-loved installations from 2019 can be re-visited in the Discovery space.

Kids can leap right into a fairytale of candy, flowers and characters at the Woodland Fairytale area, whilst the Lakeside water show promises a “visual masterpiece”.

Shimmering walkways have been designed to create a safe environment with wider footpaths to maintain social distancing, with dragon sculptures dotted around Lightopia’s food stalls and licensed bars.

There will also be three entry points to reduce queuing and direct access to two car parks.

Ian Xiang, Creative Director of Lightopia, says: “We are excited to bring Lightopia back to Manchester, and have once again created a world in which light, sculpture and art combine with traditional, Chinese lantern-making techniques to create an immersive experience, full of light and stories.

“We want our guests to become part of the Lightopia story, helping to create new forms of art as they interact and engage with the luminescent sculptures that trail through Heaton Park.”

Lightopia will be open to the public from Friday 20 November until Sunday 3 January.

Opening times are between 5pm to 10pm, and last entry is 8.30pm daily.

The event will remain closed on Mondays, Tuesdays (except during school holidays) Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

To get yourself a ticket, visit the festival website.

Keep up to date with announcements via following Lightopia on Instagram and Facebook @lightopiafestival and Twitter @lightopiafest #Lightopia