The award-winning Lightopia Manchester is now open, returning for its third year.
Presenting a brand-new enchanting light and lantern festival A Christmas Fantasy at
Heaton Park, alongside a whimsical Dine in the Light experience. The never-before-seen,
illuminated trail features magical and multi-sensory interactive lights, lanterns, and
installations, illustrating a story of an imaginative and fantasy festive world.
This immersive experience is the perfect Christmas adventure for family and friends, filled
with wondrous light installations and mythical creatures. From the moment Lightopians step through the magical gates, the fantasy land journey begins…
This year, the entry points to Lightopia will be via the Gate of Guardians, protecting the
enchanted land that awaits. Shimmering walkways, decorative lights and projections will
guide the way, marking the familiar route direction for this new make-believe wonderland.
A Christmas spectacular can be discovered at the Grade I-listed Heaton Hall. Marvel at the
9ft bauble-inspired Christmas tree and the immersive stand-alone giant bauble, which
Lightopians can walk inside.
A fairy tale awaits at this unique festive land, as the characters and lights tell the tale of good vs evil, with the festive heroes protecting Christmas. Thousands of immersive lights illuminate the Christmas land with a collection of vibrant
colours.
Lightopia 2021 also features a fantastical Magic Circus display, complete with illusional
installations and interactive entertainment. Let your imagination run wild, as clowns, animals and magicians take charge of the night.
Step into a land where love takes over at Lightopia, here you will discover the giant Earth
Flower, which represents our planet. Help to care for the earth flower and give it a power
boost. With 10 musical drums guarding it, Lightopians need to immerse themselves in the
experience and give light to the flower with musical energy. The earth flower’s roots run
deep as they also illuminate the Field of Love – taking charge of all the senses with a love
explosion of more than 50,000 love hearts filling the floor, leading the way into the Future
zone.
The ultimate in fantasy exploration, Lightopia is also home to a Time Travel zone. Walk
through holographic time portals and a colourful time tunnel, into the future, complete with
digital interactions.
Lightopia’s Fantasy Forest has the most extraordinary and mystical animals to uncover.
Walk through the enchanted, dreamlike forest and meet mythical creatures hidden in the
woodland, including a nine tailed fox, unicorns and out-of-this-world flowers.
Lightopia 2021 is a place of wonder, also find the Fantasy Universe with a supernova display and bioluminescence plants; Dragon’s Land featuring two huge 40m dragons and fabled fairies; Candy Land a sweet-inspired illuminated dreamland; Fantasy Bees – the iconic Manchester’s bee brought to life in a fantasy world; and a Wonders of the World display with giant mirrored, glistening crystals and gems, plus much more!
The Lakeside Water Show is a must-see, state-of-the-art projection show, bringing the story of Lightopia to life; with a new fantasy production created especially for 2021.
Nestled in the park’s woodland and surrounded by lanterns, Lightopia’s illuminated Dining
Domes make for a unique and atmospheric dining experience for families, friends and
couples.
The 10 dining domes serve up an imaginative and hearty three-course menu of
classic seasonal dishes, all with a whimsical touch and curated by three-rosette chef Chris
Holland and The Life Cafés & Resorts Culinary Team. Former head chef of Alderley Edge Hotel in Cheshire and best known for his traditional British cuisine with a molecular and experimental edge, guests should expect the unexpected – smoke, sparklers and much
more!
Drink, dine and be merry in your very own private dining dome, which sits up to six or twelve for up to 90 minutes, before or after heading off to discover the enchanting Lightopia light trail.
The three-course menu and a drink come to £38 per person, including the likes of winter-warming starters including Roasted Pumpkin Soup, Swiss Cheese & Riesling Fondue, mains of Harissa Minted Lamb or Smoky Barbecued Mushroom & Celeriac Hanging Kebabs and Sticky Glazed Short Rib of Beef. The little ones can enjoy the Pirate Banquet, transforming them into the Captain of Fantasy.
Their dishes will be plated in their very own pirate ship, docking in at the Lightopia Dining Dome. Dome dining experiences must be pre-booked; Lightopians can choose from three dining time slots, 5pm, 6:30pm or 8pm.
Also new for Lightopia Manchester 2021, The Stables Courtyard Bar and Dining offers a
more casual dining experience. Excellent food, music and festive spirit come together in one truly joyous food and drink experience to top off your night at Lightopia Manchester.
Reserve your table at The Stables, under the beautiful, heated canopy in the Courtyard, where there is a variety of food and drink outlets occupying converted vintage horseboxes!
From tasty, gourmet soft shell tacos to delicious stone-baked pizza al taglio, roasted chestnuts plus festive beverages and theatrical cocktails. Walk-in on the evening or to guarantee your spot reserve a seat, £5 per person, which is fully redeemable against food and drink on the night.
Lightopia is open to the public Thursdays-Sundays from the 25th November until 11 th
December, after which Lightopia will be open every day until Monday 3rd January 2022
except for Christmas day. Opening times are between 5pm to 10pm, and last entry is
8.30pm daily.
Advance tickets are priced at £20.00 for adults (or £22.00 on the day), £13.00 for children
(or £15.00 on the day), and £60.00 for families of two adults and two children (£68.00 on the day). Children under three can go free. Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free, the disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee.
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