Lightopia is returning to the grounds of Heaton Park for its fourth year, bringing Christmas magic to North Manchester once again. The Lord Mayor, Councillor Donna Ludford, will attend Lightopia on its launch day of Thursday 24thNovember to ceremonially open the new immersive experience which will take over the park until January.
This year’s trail follows the story of new beginnings and the circle of life. Through unseen audio-visual displays, the festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Beginning at the Guardian Gate, guests will be transported into a wonderland decorated by a blanket of shooting stars with the Essence of Light display. Follow the mystical path to the Christmas realm, celebrating the festive season with the gift of giant baubles, trees and presents.
Discover the meaning of hope and balance as you stroll past the vibrant Ying Yang display and Tranquility Arch, home to colourful swans and butterflies.
As you emerge from the winding path of the Mythical Forest, prepare your senses for the festival’s main event, the Phoenix. Unlike ever before, experience the heart of the festival through sound and light, with a 5-minute A/V show pushing the boundaries of music through the captivating display.
The Secret Flower Garden lights up the natural greenery of the park, with a collection of glowing fauna wrapped around the branches above and the grass below.
Curated especially for younger guests, the Book of Rebirth unlocks the imagination with friendly animated animals and the kid zone will feature interactive musical tiles for all to interact and play with.
The adventure ends with the grand finale Lakeside Watershow; a spectacle of moving creatures and patterns projected across the lake and fountain.
Ian Xiang, Creative Director of Lightopia, says; ‘We are delighted to share the magic of Lightopia 2022 with families in Manchester and beyond. We hope this immersive experience will bring together friends and loved ones through the power of light and sound.’
He adds; ‘Not only have we created a fantastical world, full of happiness, illumination, and charm, we hope by offering families a more affordable experience, they can escape for an evening filled with festive magic at Christmas.’
The award-winning Lightopia festival is also proud to announce this year’s charity partnership with We Love MCR Charity, the Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester’s official charity.
In support of the charity, Lightopians can add an optional donation at the checkout when they purchase their tickets, with every penny going to Manchester communities and disadvantaged young people.
We Love MCR Charity aims to support and inspire Mancunians to make Manchester a fairer, safer, cleaner, and friendlier place. They work with some of the most vulnerable people and local communities to address the challenges they face and give opportunities to those who really need them. They have provided support to Ukrainian refugees fleeing war, those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and families with complex needs. The money raised through this event primarily will support their Manchester’s Rising Stars and Stronger Communities Funds.
Ged Carter, Head of We Love MCR Charity, said: “We’re thrilled to be supported by Lightopia. The event is already a family favourite across Manchester. With this generous support we’ll be able to support many more disadvantaged young people to take their next steps to success.”
Ian Xiang added: “The importance of We Love MCR Charity’s work, particularly in times of significant hardship faced, cannot be underestimated. We appreciate that this period is set to be difficult for all, but would ask anyone that is able to, to add the £1 optional donation to their checkout when purchasing tickets.”
The festival will also support OUR PASS – a membership scheme for young people who live in Greater Manchester, for both school leavers and care leavers.
It will be open to the public from Thursday 24th November until Monday 2nd January. (The event is closed on Christmas Day.) Opening times are between 5pm to 10pm, and last entry is 8.30pm daily.
New for 2022, the organisers of the festival have announced a new ticketing system to help families with rising living costs. The new accessible pricing will see an off-peak option on selected weekdays.
Advance tickets are priced at £17.50 for adults off-peak and £22.50 at peak times or days, from £11.00 for children off-peak and £14.50 peak, and £49.00 for families of two adults and two children off-peak and £69.00 peak. Children under three can go free at all times. Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free, the disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee.
To book tickets for Lightopia 2022 visit www.manchester.lightopiafestival.com
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