Crowds packed into city streets, squares and famous buildings for three days of Light Up Lancaster.
Thousands of visitors explored installations, projections, and performances at the event, which ran from November 6 to 8.
Organisers reported the busiest evening on record in some central areas of town, whilst Lancaster Castle reported record figures – 35 per cent higher than last year’s Light Up Lancaster.
For the first time, Williamson Park was part of the festival with a video installation 'Fading' by Sophie Laly, and the colourful pathway of light 'Things That Light Up'.
Lancaster Canal became the set for the underwater-themed 'Forged in Water' by Limbic Cinema and RAMZi.
Lancaster Castle hosted 'Molecular Clouds' by Daksha Patel - an interactive projection inspired by cosmic dust and molecular structures; and 'Veil' by Flolux, where a dreamlike canopy of light shimmered over the historic courtyard.
The castle gateway was the backdrop for 'Still Waters Run Deep' by James Hooton and Diego Moral Pombo – a large-scale projection mapping artwork drawing on cutting-edge glaciology research by Lancaster University.
In Dalton Square, 'Dear Joan…' by imitating the dog used video mapping, narrative and live performance to depict author C.S. Lewis’s explorations of faith and friendship through letter-writing.
Mischievous creatures graced the façade of the Judges’ Lodgings in 'Monster!' by Christopher Harrisson; weeds and wildflowers climbed Sun Square’s Music Room in 'Urban Wyld' by Laura Spark; and a little shop was transformed into a magical emporium of confectionery and surprises in 'Peddie’s Chocolate Shop' by Illuminos.
Other locations included Lancaster Library and Market Square’s Night Market with food, dance, music, drumming and DJ performances by Ludus Dance, Preston Mela and other artistes.
“This year, even more than previous years, it felt important to celebrate community, culture and our city, in the way that Lancaster does best – by bringing the party into the streets," said Julie Brown, artistic director of the festival.
"The festival is an enormous team effort, by artists, venues, technical teams, funders, and many other individuals and organisations, but also by the people of Lancaster. Thank you to all involved for making this festival so very successful.”
Tom Fyson from Lancaster BID (Business Improvement District), one of the event partners, said: “Flagship events like Light Up Lancaster really put our wonderful city on the map and attract visitors from across the northwest and beyond.
"It was amazing to see the city centre so busy with visitors supporting our local businesses. One bar on Market Street reported achieving record takings on Saturday demonstrating the importance of events such as this to the local economy. We are proud to be part of the team that made it all happen.”
The festival organisers would love to hear visitors’ thoughts on this year’s event and are inviting everyone to fill out the feedback form on the homepage of the Light Up Lancaster website – with the chance to win £100 worth of high street shopping vouchers.
The festival was organised by imitating the dog, Lancaster BID, The Dukes, Mirador, and Lancaster University.
Funding came from Arts Council England, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and other sponsors.
Additional financial and in-kind contributions came from organisations including Hotfoot, Hoff Modular, and Booths, and additional support from many local businesses, venues and organisations.
More photos below, from Robin Zahler.
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