Light Up Lancaster

The two-day free November festival continues to produce thrilling entertainment and dazzling spectacle. 

A decade ago, Light Up Lancaster began life as an after-dark light art trail to build up excitement the night before the firework display near Lancaster Castle but since then it has developed into a two-day festival of art and light.  

The theme of this year’s event is Turning Points which gives artists, audiences and participants opportunities to reflect on times in life when things could go one way or another, when changes happen.  Lancaster’s own digital daredevils, imitating the dog, will, once again, take over the Castle courtyard to present striking projections combining film, animation and original music to explore the turning points in all our lives.  ​​​​​For the first time in Light Up Lancaster’s history, it will host a Light Art Jam at Kanteena.  Eclectika will incorporate projection, virtual reality, digital wizardry and electronica in an immersive, evolving experience.  

A new venue for the festival this year is St John’s Church which will host Butterflies, consisting of hundreds of handmade butterflies which appear glass-like by day and by night transform under ultra violet light.  These are just a few of the many Light Up Lancaster attractions which take place this year at various city centre locations including the Priory, the Judges’ Lodgings, St Nicholas Arcades and The Storey.  Outdoor venues featured will be Market, Dalton and Sun Squares, the Storey Gardens and Upper Church Street/Castle Hill.  All events are within walking distance of each other and are completely free.

Weather permitting, the spectacular fireworks finale, which happens to land on Bonfire Night this year, will be launched near Lancaster Castle on the Saturday.   Wristbands are required for the fireworks official viewing areas at Giant Axe and Quay Meadow.  The display can be enjoyed from various vantage points across the city.