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.
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”.
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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.
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“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.
Keep up to date with announcements via following Lightopia on Instagram and Facebook @lightopiafestival and Twitter @lightopiafest #Lightopia
What's On
Major Christmas lights switch-on event announced at Manchester’s iconic Printworks
Daisy Jackson
Printworks has announced details of a major Christmas lights switch-on event, with celebrity guest Will Mellor.
Set to be the biggest switch-on event in Manchester city centre, the celebration will include a festive singalong and live entertainment, plus a 16ft digital tree and plenty more.
And as part of the wider festive celebrations at Printworks, there’ll be 25 prizes to be won all the way through December, including hotel stays and other goodies from the businesses based in the landmark building.
The Printworks Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday 29 November, kicking off at 4.30pm with a performance from the brilliant roaming brass band, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners.
Then there’ll be a family Christmas singalong at 5pm on Printworks’ interactive gaming screen, where Mancs can belt out classic Christmas hits together.
At 6pm, the almighty 16ft digital Christmas tree will be officially switched on by TV legend Will Mellor, along with a new festive display appearing overhead on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography
Expect to see Santa’s sleigh flying across the building, and Santa Claus himself pointing out passers-by and revealing if they’ve made the naughty or nice list.
The event will finish with a one-hour DJ set from Jack Clark to keep visitors in the festive spirit. Throughout December, visitors to Printworks can enter daily prize-draws at the digital Christmas tree, with big prizes up for grabs.
Daniel Davis, Centre Manager, said: “Families loved last year’s festive switch-on, which brought light to the city when the citywide celebration was cancelled. We’re thrilled to bring it back even bigger and brighter.
“With our incredible digital ceiling and new interactive features, we’re giving visitors a Christmas experience like no other full of music, magic and surprises.
“Our 16ft digital tree is something truly unique to Manchester, and with 25 prizes up for grabs throughout December, there’s a real reason to keep coming back. Whether you’re joining us for the switch-on or popping in for a festive meal or film, we can’t wait to celebrate with the community.”
The Christmas switch-on event at Printworks in Manchester
4.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
5pm – Family singalong
5.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
6pm – Christmas switch-on with Will Mellor
6.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
Luxury curling club and apres-ski bar to open in Manchester city centre
Daisy Jackson
A pop-up curling rink is set to open right beneath the skyscrapers in Manchester city centre this winter.
The Curling Club, already a top winter attraction down in London, has revealed plans to launch at the foot of the Deansgate Square towers later this month.
The alpine-themed winter village will be one of three across the UK, with two other Curling Clubs down in London.
As well as the state-of-the-art curling lanes, where Mancs can slide and shove their stones along the rink to giant bullseyes, there’ll be plenty more entertainment for the party season.
The Curling Club will bring apres-ski bars to the New Jackson district too, with DJs, dancers, and festive food.
Daren Whitaker, founder and chairman at Renaker – the developer behind The Curling Club at New Jackson’s site – said: “As the city centre’s first dedicated curling venue, the Curling Club will be an excellent addition to Manchester’s already strong competitive socialising scene.
“We are excited to be hosting The Curling Club in our New Jackson neighbourhood, bringing our residents together for a fun and unique experience and creating a lively destination for the wider community to enjoy.”
Luxury curling club and apres-ski bar to open in Manchester city centre. Credit: Justin De Souza
Trevor Bowers, chairman of The Curling Club, said: “This winter marks a milestone for The Curling Club as we expand to three incredible locations.
“Chelsea Winter Illuminations allows us to create something truly magical in a beautiful and adored area of London, while Manchester opens the door to new audiences, and Vinegar Yard gives us another exciting year in London Bridge. It’s our biggest and boldest season yet.”
Eve Muirhead, Olympic gold medallist and Team GB’s Chef de Mission, also returns as ambassador of The Curling Club, and will lend her experience and insider knowledge across all sites.
Tickets for The Curling Club Manchester are now on sale, with bookings available for groups between two and four people starting from £30 for 30 minutes – head HERE to get yours.
The Manc -
14th August 2020 
