Lancaster shines brightly

Record crowds in the region of 45,000 people descended on Lancaster at the weekend to enjoy this year’s magical 2-night festival of light, music, art and fireworks in the city.

Now in its fifth year, Light Up Lancaster saw both local and international artists transform the streets, gardens and the city’s heritage buildings with live performances and interactive illuminated artworks on both Friday and Saturday evening.

Brought to you by Lancaster Arts City, Lancaster City Council and Lancaster BID, the event drew inspiration from this year’s theme of the natural world.

From the impressive firework finale over the castle on the Saturday evening to the innovative performances and projections on the Friday and Saturday evening, this event brought many memorable and unique experiences to visitors.

Inside Lancaster Castle, spectators of all ages enjoyed projected showstopper inside the castle courtyard with a supporting live performance from local community choirs brought together from across Lancashire.  Under a festooned roof, Market Square was busy all weekend as More Music attracted huge crowds with walkabout giants plus songs and tales of the bay, the birds and the tides.

The Storey Gardens also proved popular being the resting place for illuminated butterflies which had fluttered all the way from China while inside visitors inside The Storey were dared to sit in the Moon Seat to see their shadow interact with them whilst disguised as a number of different animals and birds.

Those who ventured slightly off the beaten track enjoyed an interactive sound garden at Dallas Road Gardens and a garden of musical plants at Lancaster’s stunning Priory Church which reacted to the gentlest of touches.

Other highlights included the Les Luminéoles - imaginary illuminated creatures which couldn't be missed dancing gently in the wind in Dalton Square whilst Lancaster Library provided a host of activities with its interactive family zone.

As ever on the Saturday night, following a programme of workshops and tours, the finale of the annual fireworks spectacular was launched again from the grounds of Lancaster Castle and attracted thousands to view the dazzling display from across the city.

Win shopping vouchers worth £100

If you attended any of the Light Up Lancaster events and want to offer your feedback, you can complete an online survey at www.lightuplancaster.co.uk/feedback  Everyone completing the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win Love2Shop vouchers worth £100.

Light Up Lancaster has been kindly funded and supported by Arts Council England, University of Cumbria, The Duchy of Lancaster, Heritage Lottery Fund, , Lancashire Encounter,  Lancaster University, Barratt Homes, National Grid, Tesco Bags of Help, Elizabeth and Richard Wilson Charitable Fund, BBC Radio Lancashire, Pennine Events, Better with Jam, Morecambe and Lancaster Lions.

Last updated: 07 November 2017