Lightopia will return to Manchester this winter with spectacular new creations

Lightopia had its European debut in Manchester last winter, the award-winning and visually spectacular lantern and light festival turning Heaton Park into a colourful illuminated wonderland.

This winter, it will be back, with some stunning new creations – and full safety measures including social distancing. 

And you can get 20% off tickets from this Wednesday 12th too, if you sign up below, before general tickets go on sale on Friday 14th August.

New themes to uncover include a stand-out Christmas showcase, which uses the Grade I listed Heaton Hall as its sparkling backdrop. You can see Santa’s sleigh and glistening snowflakes, and make your own festive soundtrack with a giant interactive walking piano. 

Also new is an astronomy display, illuminating the night sky with its beautiful moon installation.

Other pieces include robotic controlled pads on the floor, which create light shows when stepped on, and an interactive zodiac sign installation. 

There will also be an area dedicated to the Manchester skyline, and an immersive musical city encouraging 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. 

Children will be thrilled by the fairytale world of candy, flowers and characters at the woodland fairytale area, with some new captivating pieces featured in this illuminated wonderland.

The lakeside water show will also play a key role in the exhibition, as a state-of-the-art projection creates a visual masterpiece, bringing the story of Lightopia to life – with a new production created for 2020 that reflects the Lightopia themes of discovery.

Shimmering walkways, lights and lanterns will guide the walkways, marking the route direction. And extraordinary dragon sculptures will lead the way Lightopia’s food stalls and licensed bars.

The new route has been designed to create a safe environment, where Lightopians are able to see the sights safely with friends and family.

There will be wider footpaths to maintain social distancing, three entry points to reduce queuing and direct access to two car parks.

“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,” says Ian Xiang, creative director of Lightopia.

“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 return to Heaton Park from 20th November 2020 – 3rd January 2021. Advance tickets are £20 for adults (£22 on the day), £13 for children (£15 on the day), and £60 for families (£68 on the day). Children under three go free. Pre-sale tickets are available from Wednesday 12th August – sign up below for 20% off the ticket price. General ticket sales will be available from Friday 14th August. 

Sign up