The idea
Magic is in the air! Lancaster's magnificent heritage and history will come to life as artists, audiences and families light up its city centre creating a FREE trail of wonder, joy, belonging and fun.
From November 2-4, across three unforgettable nights, Lancaster’s long and fascinating heritage will be illuminated by light art, workshops and activities which are family friendly, accessible and FREE. Art with heart – not empty spectacle!
From 5pm to 9pm each evening, the city centre, its historic buildings and locations, will be transformed by enchanting light art installations, events and captivating lighting – for everyone to enjoy. It will be a memorable three nights with an inspirational mix of playfulness, ingenuity, fantasy and thoughtfulness.
The star of the show will be Lancaster’s heritage but seen and understood in an entirely fresh light – guaranteed to warm hearts and minds on cold November nights!
What we'll deliver
- National and international light art installation never seen before in Lancashire
- A stunningly lit street market in the heart of the city organised with Food Futures: the Sustainable Food Network
- A family friendly arts fair with a huge range of free creative activities
- A special creative arts workshop with award-winning artist, Lela Harris
- Beautiful light art installations at the Priory Church, Storey, Storey Gardens and Judges Lodgings
- A safe and family friendly event for the community and Lancashire visitors
Why it's a great idea
Our event will bring together people to celebrate, enjoy and appreciate the special heritage of Lancaster and view their city in a completely new way. This will create a strong sense of community pride and togetherness as people discover how magical it is when heritage, culture and creativity converge.
The creativity of the event will provide the magic to fire the imagination and help stimulate unique experiences for our audiences and participants. In particular, the free, accessible and engaging programme will help connect people, in a rewarding, tangible and enjoyable way, with their location, heritage and history.
Being primarily an outdoor activity, in places and locations free of barriers to participation, which involves an evening stroll through the city centre, the event will generate a great sense of health and wellbeing. And young people will be inspired and their imaginations ignited by experiencing unique artworks in familiar settings.
Steps to get it done
- Contracting artists and agree delivery schedule
- Contracting marketing team and creating marketing strategy
- Contracting production team and creating install and deinstall production schedule
- Contracting event management and safety team
- Recruiting and training volunteer stewards
- Securing all public liability insurances and risk assessments
- Planning, arranging and delivering creative workshops and Art Fair
- Ordering all technical equipment
- Agreeing installation schedule with all sites
- Monthly steering group meetings to oversee budgets and milestones
