Light Up Lancaster

Transforming the streets, gardens and historical venues of Lancaster for one weekend every year is Light Up Lancaster, a spectacular free-of-charge festival celebrating work by local and international artists. This work illuminates the city’s heritage buildings, public spaces and community corners, giving Lancaster residents and visitors alike a chance to experience light in a way they have never experienced it before.

The theme of this year’s edition is The Art of Science, which promises to be a fantastic inspiration for many illuminated creations. The festival is on between Thursday and Saturday, running from 5pm – 10pm ever evening, giving visitors longer to explore, experience and enjoy the installations.

Further specifics about the 2024 edition are still under wraps, but take a look at some of the highlights from previous years to get a taste of what to expect from the event.

The festival has previously featured Karl Wilby’s magical light-based animated sculptures – Zomotion Zoetropes, and And Then I Slipped, exhibited in Lancaster Priory, which presented a magical waterfall of light, created by award-winning digital art and performance company, idontloveyouanymore, and inspired by waterfalls seen in classic children’s films including Jungle Book and The Lion King.

Visitors could also experience a remarkable combination of light art, robotics, inflatables and puppeteering produced by Air Giants at Sun Square, and a short, creative tour that follows a trail of animation, projection and live music in the footsteps of a young Afghan refugee as she searches for fellow creative spirits among the darkened city streets.

All of the light installations are free and within walking distance of each other. A Light Up Lancaster Trail will soon be available be download a printed map will be available a couple of weeks prior to the event from Lancaster Visitor Information Centre in Storey Gardens.