Light Up Lancaster is over the moon

Lancaster City Council is over the moon to announce that its magical citywide festival of light, art and fireworks will be returning to Lancaster the first weekend in November.

This year’s Light Up Lancaster festival commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and the moment that Neil Armstrong and Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin first set foot on the moon.

Taking place on 1 – 2 November, Light Up Lancaster will be transforming the streets, gardens and historical venues of Lancaster to provide a spectacular 2-night festival of light and art by international and local artists and illuminating the city’s heritage buildings, public spaces and community corners.

Working in partnership with Lancaster BID and Lancaster Arts City, the city council will be offering families the perfect opportunity to take a magical evening stroll through the historic city of Lancaster and see the City Museum, Market Square, The Storey, Maritime Museum and Judges’ Lodgings in sparkling splendour.

The artwork taking centre stage in this year’s free programme of events will be Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram.  With a diameter of seven metres, the artwork features high definition NASA imagery of the moon’s surface.  This magnificent installation and will be set against the stunning backdrop of Lancaster Priory Church.  Inside the church, spectators will be able to enjoy a fusion of lunar imagery and moonlight with an enveloping soundscape by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winner Dan Jones.

Further highlights of the 2019 edition include Lightscape by top-notch Italian arts company, mammasONica.  Lightscape is an immersive multi-layered experience whilst creating a luminous landscape throughout the captivating setting of Lancaster Castle.

Families will also be able to drop into the Lancaster Library to enjoy Lancaster University’s Family Zone across the weekend with workshops, exhibits and interactive experiences and to witness some of the world-changing research taking place at the university.

Once again, Light Up Lancaster will culminate with a superb festival finale on Saturday when fireworks are launched from the grounds of Lancaster Castle.  Free wristbands for the firework official areas at Giant Axe and Quay Meadow are available to order now from the festival website - www.lightuplancaster.co.uk

Coun Jean Parr, Cabinet member for arts, culture, leisure and tourism, said:  “Now in its seventh year, Light Up Lancaster remains one of Lancaster’s top ‘must see’ events of the year.  Not only does it showcase how art and culture can be used to illuminate the history and heritage of our wonderful city but it also contributes greatly towards making the city a lively and attractive place to be for those who live, work and study here as well as for those who visit the area.

"A massive thanks must go to all those organisations who are supporting and sponsoring this year’s event.”

Tony Johnson, Lancaster BID Manager, added: “Lancaster BID is delighted to partner Light Up Lancaster. This fantastic event is growing year on year and ticks all the boxes for Lancaster BID as it generates a huge increase in footfall into the city - many being new visitors to Lancaster.  There’s no doubt in my mind that once they’ve seen Light Up Lancaster they’ll be back.”

Light Up Lancaster artworks can be seen from 5.30pm – 10pm on Friday November 1 and 5.30pm – 7.30pm on Saturday November 2. Lancaster Fireworks Display will be at 8pm on the Saturday, November 2.

Full details of Light Up Lancaster can be found at www.lightuplancaster.co.uk   Alternatively you can follow the festival on Facebook or Twitter 

Last updated: 27 September 2019