Manchester’s Lightopia festival to remain open in Tier 4

From today, Greater Manchester is facing tighter restrictions as the region enters Tier 4.

The new guidelines mean people must not leave their home or garden unless they have a ‘reasonable excuse’ including where reasonably necessary for work, education, exercise or open air recreation, and essential activities such as medical appointments and to buy food.

Many attractions and activities have had to be cancelled in light of the new guidelines. 

But thankfully, following the latest government announcements, award-winning outdoor lantern and light festival Lightopia in Heaton Park is able to remain open as an illuminated light trail until 10th January.

Lighting up Manchester this winter and throughout the festive season, Lightopia 2020 has revealed new installations and a brand new route for guests to explore.

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

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

Lightopia has also implemented further measures to ensure all steps are taken to keep visitors safe, including: NHS Test and Trace, with QR codes at multiple locations on the trail; pre-booked tickets only; contactless ticket scanning; card payments only; hand sanitising stations throughout the trail; increased cleaning; and more stewards to manage social distancing and assist with any visitor queries onsite.

“We have not taken this decision lightly and we have worked with the Public Health, Environmental Health and the City Council to ensure we are working within the new Tier 4 Light Trail guidelines as published on 23rd December,” say organisers.

However, if you do not live in Greater Manchester, they ask that you do not visit Lightopia at this time.

Lightopia will be contacting all remaining ticket holders via email with a refund link, and all refund requests must be in by Sunday 3rd January. 

Lightopia is open every day until Sunday 10th January, between 5pm to 10pm, with last entry at 8.30pm daily. Standard advance tickets are £20 for adults, £13 for children and £60 for families. Children under three can go free. Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free.