ITS opening may have been delayed by the second national coronavirus lockdown, but Lightopia is ready to glow across Heaton Park from this evening.

The award-winning and visually spectacular lantern and light festival will run until Sunday, January 10.

The socially distanced festive spectacular will be welcoming visitors every day, apart from Christmas Day.

With Christmas the theme for this year’s event, it will use the stunning Grade I-listed Heaton Hall as its sparkling backdrop for all its festive merriment.

Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year at Lightopia, featuring a 32ft illuminated Christmas tree, pass by Santa’s sleigh and make your own festive soundtrack with a giant interactive walking piano.

Following on from last year's success, there will be a new route and installations for guests to explore.

The route has been designed so visitors can see the sights safely with friends and family.

Opening times are between 5pm to 10pm, and last entry is 8.30pm daily.

Advance tickets are priced at £20 for adults (or £22 on the day), £13 for children (£15 on the day), and £60 for families of two adults and two children (£68 on the day).

Children under three can go free. Essential carers of disabled visitors can attend for free; the disabled visitor pays the normal admission fee.

There are also a limited number of tickets available for key workers, with a 20 per cent discount off the standard ticket price, when using code KEY20. Plus, the 20 per cent discount is applied to all tickets in the online basket. One essential worker ID is required for entry, per party.

For further information and to book tickets, visit lightopiafestival.com

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Covid-safety rules for Lightopia 2020

Lightopia has also implemented further measures to ensure all steps are taken to keep visitors safe, including:

• NHS Test and Trace: QR codes will be displayed at multiple locations on the trail.

• Social Distancing: Shall be mandatory at the event at all times.

• One Way System: The Lightopia trail is one direction only.

• Prebooked Tickets Only: Trail tickets are only available to prebook online.

• Contactless Ticket Scanning: All ticket scanning will be contactless on entry to the event.

• Card Payments Only: Vendors and car parks will only accept card payments.

• No Alcohol: Following latest government guidance no alcohol is permitted onsite.

• Quick Food and Drink: All food & drink on the trail will be takeaway only.

• Hand Hygiene: Hand sanitising stations will be located throughout the trail.

• Increased Cleansing: All facilities, surfaces and touch points will be cleaned regularly.

• Increased Stewards: Increased number of stewards on our route to manage social distancing and assist with any visitor queries onsite.