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Light Up Lancaster

Creative Tourist

Visit now

Light Up Lancaster

The Storey Creative Industries Centre, Lancaster
7-9 November 2024

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Free
Bonfire Night in Manchester and the North
Image courtesy Robin Zahler
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Transforming the streets, gardens and historical venues of Lancaster for one weekend every year is Light Up Lancaster, a spectacular free-of-charge festival celebrating work by local and international artists. This work illuminates the city’s heritage buildings, public spaces and community corners, giving Lancaster residents and visitors alike a chance to experience light in a way they have never experienced it before.

The theme of this year’s edition is The Art of Science, which promises to be a fantastic inspiration for many illuminated creations. The festival is on between Thursday and Saturday, running from 5pm – 10pm ever evening, giving visitors longer to explore, experience and enjoy the installations.

Further specifics about the 2024 edition are still under wraps, but take a look at some of the highlights from previous years to get a taste of what to expect from the event.

The festival has previously featured Karl Wilby’s magical light-based animated sculptures – Zomotion Zoetropes, and And Then I Slipped, exhibited in Lancaster Priory, which presented a magical waterfall of light, created by award-winning digital art and performance company, idontloveyouanymore, and inspired by waterfalls seen in classic children’s films including Jungle Book and The Lion King.

Visitors could also experience a remarkable combination of light art, robotics, inflatables and puppeteering produced by Air Giants at Sun Square, and a short, creative tour that follows a trail of animation, projection and live music in the footsteps of a young Afghan refugee as she searches for fellow creative spirits among the darkened city streets.

All of the light installations are free and within walking distance of each other. A Light Up Lancaster Trail will soon be available be download a printed map will be available a couple of weeks prior to the event from Lancaster Visitor Information Centre in Storey Gardens.

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Where to go near Light Up Lancaster

Lancaster
Library
Lancaster Library

Sitting in the heart of Lancaster is the Lancaster Library. When not serving its usual function, this beautiful space is occasionally transformed into an unlikely gig venue.

Castle View contemporary cottage, Lancaster
Lancaster
Hotel
Castle View

Right in the heart of Lancaster, this contemporary cottage with one bedroom and a double sofa bed, a huge copper bath and a wood burner is situated in a peaceful walled oasis.

Lancaster Castle Lancashire
Lancaster
Tourist Attraction
Lancaster Castle

Lancaster Castle’s origins date back almost 1,000 years. This Grade 1 Listed Building occupies a city-centre hilltop location on the site of three successive Roman forts.

The Music Room from Atkinsons Coffee Roasters Lancaster
Lancaster
Café or Coffee Shop
The Music Room

The Music Room from Atkinsons Coffee Roasters is a cafe situated on a Grade II listed Georgian pavilion with sun trap outside seating.

An interior shot of the arches within Lancaster Priory
Lancaster Priory

Lancaster Priory Church is a vibrant, open and inclusive church at the heart of Lancaster. Music, education and community are at the heart of their mission.

Judge’s Lodgings, Lancaster, Lancashire
Lancaster
Museum
Judges’ Lodgings

The Judges’ Lodgings is the oldest town house in Lancaster, whose exhibitions and events bring the stories of the city to life.

Lancashire
Bar or Pub
The Stonewell Tap

The Stonewell Tap is a lively craft beer bar on Church Street, Lancaster, which boasts 16 craft beer taps and 4 real hand-pulled ale pumps.

Lancaster
Bar or Pub
Aquila Pizza

You can order online or over the phone to get your pizza fix. With regular deals on multiple pizzas and breads available for delivery and collection across Lancaster and Morecambe mid-week and weekends then keep your eyes on Aquila’s website and social channels.

Lancashire
Restaurant
The Herbarium

This plant-based cafe and bar serves delicious vegan breakfasts and coffees in the day, before transforming into a fantastic dinner venue in ‘Herb after Dark’.
Park
The Storey Gardens

The Storey Garden is a hidden garden in the centre of Lancaster. The garden was created in 1998 by a dedicated team of gardeners, craftspeople, builders and artists.

The Grand Theatre in Lancaster
Lancaster
Theatre
The Grand Theatre, Lancaster

First opened in 1782, the theatre is now host to amateur drama, music and dance and professional touring companies. Tours of the historic building are available

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