It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Manchester. The markets are up and running, Big Santa has taken up residency on St Peter’s Square, and restaurants, bars and shops have undergone a festive makeover to mark the occasion.
Venture outside the city centre though and you’ll see that the seasonal spirit has spread to Heaton Park, where an immersive light display is brightening up even the gloomiest of autumn evenings - and not even the Manchester weather can dampen spirits.
Returning to Greater Manchester for its fourth year, Lightopia opened its gates this past week and over the next five and a half weeks, will welcome thousands of visitors through its luminous gates. This year’s theme - A Christmas Story - focuses on new beginnings and the circle of life, with huge light sculptures capturing the essence of the thought-provoking theme.
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Reflecting on another successful launch, Ian Xiang, Creative Director of Lightopia, said, “We are very pleased to see people back at Lightopia to share in the magic of Christmas. This year’s festival is brand new to Manchester and we even think our best yet. We have illuminations and rides to spark joy in all ages; from the littlest ones to adults, everyone is welcome here at Lightopia. We hope to see you soon.”
For those who haven’t been before, a series of never-before-seen immersive audio-visual displays await including the main headline installation The Phoenix, which sits at the heart of the trail and can be seen at several vantage points around the park.
Beginning the light journey at the Guardian Gate, visitors are quickly immersed into a wonderland where green twinkling lights similar to fireflies form a canopy above the walkway, while a film soundtrack packed full of Disney and Christmas classics adds another dimension to the light trail.
After passing the shooting stars and rainbow umbrellas guests are led to the Christmas realm. With Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas blasting through the speakers, the magical Christmas display, featuring luminous baubles, tress and wrapped presents, comes into its own and is a magical ode to the holidays.
Before making your way to the Stables for some festive refreshments, the path winds around the park, passing Christmas cocktails and The Tranquillity Arch before giving way to a mythical forest filled with creatures large and small. Here you can grab a closer look of the Phoenix rising from its ashes as part of a five-minute audio-visual light show.
Make sure to wrap up warm as there’s still plenty to see including the Secret Flower Garden and the Book of Rebirth. The latter features friendly animated animals while a kid zone is home to interactive music tiles.
Last, but by no means least, the Lakeside Watershow is a sight to behold. A spectacle of moving features and Christmas icons projected across Heaton Park’s lake and fountain. Depending on how long you can brave the cold, or how hungry you get, you can easily wander around the trail for hours, losing yourself in each and every display and even go back to grab a selfie - there’s plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
This year, taking into consideration the rising cost of living, Lightopia organisers have introduced a new ticket system to ensure the festival is accessible to all families. Off-peak tickets for adults, children and families, will be available on selected weekdays to make it cheaper for people to visit and enjoy the lights.
Walking certainly builds up an appetite and fortunately this year sees the return of the popular heated canopy dining in the courtyard outside The Stables Cafe. An alternative to Manchester’s Christmas Markets, the covered dining space features twinkly lights and festive tunes, and like the markets it houses a number of food and drink stalls.
Serving up a variety of seasonal favourites and street food classics including pulled pork, hog roast and macaroni cheese with Bolognese, there’s plenty of options for everyone to enjoy. The cafe area also features a vintage airstream serving Holland's popular vegan scotch egg, plus stone-baked pizzas fresh from the oven.
Drinks wise, you can choose from festive tipples such a salted caramel cappuccino and gingerbread lattes or boozier offerings like the Baileys’ hot chocolate and mulled wine. They’ve also offered a range of ales, ciders and lagers, plus wine and spirits. The cosy dining experience is bookable and available as an add on at the checkout when purchasing tickets.
Lightopia is open from Thursday November 24 until Monday January 2, between 5pm and 10pm, and entry is 8.30pm daily. It will not be open on Christmas Day.
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 in free at all times.
Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free, the disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee.
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