WHAT IS LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

Light Night Wigan is a FREE light art festival situated in Mesnes Park, Wigan. The event is intended to entertain, delight and inspire audiences.

WHEN IS LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

Light Night Wigan takes place over three consecutive nights from Thursday 21st November to Saturday 23rd November 2024. 

WHERE DOES LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN TAKE PLACE

Light Night Wigan takes place in Mesnes Park, Wigan WN1 1TU.

Event entrances will be available at Mesnes Park Terrace, Parsons Walk and Bridgeman Terrace. 

Entry will not be permitted at the park entrance at Walkden Avenue or by Wigan and Leigh College Pagefield Campus. 

DO I NEED A TICKET FOR LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

Light Night Wigan is FREE to attend but booking is essential. Mesnes Park will be closed to non-ticket holders on the evenings of 21-23rd November 2024 from 3pm. Please have your tickets downloaded to your phone or printed before you arrive.

I CAN NO LONGER ATTEND - WHAT SHALL I DO WITH MY TICKET?

If any members of your party are no longer able to attend please cancel your tickets through Eventbrite so that tickets can be released to our waiting lists. If you’re having issues cancelling tickets please email events@wigan.gov.uk.

WHAT IF I MISS MY TIME SLOT - CAN I STILL ATTEND?

Please aim to arrive in your designated 15 minute arrival slot. If you arrive outside of this time you may be asked to wait before you can gain entry to the event.

HOW LONG DOES THE EVENT LAST?

Light Night Wigan will take around 90 mins to explore, but feel free to wander and take the artworks in at your own pace. The event will close at 10pm.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE EVENT IS CANCELLED?

Follow Light Night Wigan on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with event announcements and information. Ticket holders will also be notified if the event is cancelled for any reason. 

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

This is an outdoor, winter event. Please check the weather forecast, dress accordingly and wear sensible shoes. There is a wet weather plan in place but some artworks may need to be removed in the case of poor weather and high speed winds. 

Please check social media channels and emails for weather updates.

HOW CAN I GET TO LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

We work hard to ensure the event has minimal negative impact on the environment and encourage visitors to walk, cycle, if they can, or use public transport.  Mesnes Park is a short walk from Wigan Town Centre train and bus stations. 

For full information visit: Light Night Wigan | Bee Network | Powered by TfGM

If travelling by car, please check back here for updated information closer to the event. Please park responsibly and refrain from parking in residential areas.

CAN I BRING MY DOG TO LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

No dogs are permitted at the event with the exception of assistance dogs. This is for the safety of the dog as well as the public.

CAN I BRING MY PUSHCHAIR TO LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

Yes - we are a family friendly event although all bags and pushchairs will be subject to search on entry. 

IS THE EVENT ACCESSIBLE?

Yes! The event site is accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs. 

Please be advised there may be uneven surfaces in certain areas of the park. If you have any mobility or access issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for specific information. Please email events@wigan.gov.uk. 

Some of the artworks have sound incorporated and there will be live music at the Bandstand, and storytelling under the trees. If you require a quieter, less busy and less dark slot please book a ticket for 4-5pm on Saturday 23rd November. 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

This is an outdoor, evening, winter event, and there may be some uneven surfaces at certain points of the trail. Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing so that you can enjoy the experience to the full.

WILL THERE BE FOOD AND DRINK AVAILABLE TO BUY?

A selection of street food and drink will be available to purchase in the park from local businesses at the bandstand. There will be a licensed bar and live music at the bandstand. 

Fredericks Café will also remain open for event attendees with a range of luxury hot chocolates, snacks and desserts and will be open from 5pm.

Please note all traders are accepting card payments.

 No alcohol may be brought onto site but there will be a licensed bar with a range of refreshments available at the bandstand. 

ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC TOILETS AT THE EVENT?

The event has toilets, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities available on site. A Changing Places toilet facility is also available at The Lodge (The main entrance on Mesnes Park Terrace). If you require access to this facility, please notify a member of the team and we can assist you.

IS PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED AT LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

Yes, we encourage visitors to take plenty of photos and share them on social media for all to see - tagging @lightnightwigan. 

There will also be professional filming and photography taking place at the event to be used by Wigan Council, Things That Go On Things and their project partners to promote council and community activities in publications, presentations, advertisements, exhibitions, press articles, informational material, social media and the website. If you do not want your image to be used please make the event team aware upon arrival at the event. 

WILL THE PLAYGROUNDS BE OPEN DURING THE EVENT?

The Children’s Play areas will remain closed for the duration of the event.

ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF THE PARK STAYING THE SAME DURING THE EVENT?

Mesnes Park will have reduced public open times for event preparations and operation on the dates below:

Monday 18th - Tuesday 19th November Mesnes Park will open at 7am and close at 9pm.

Wednesday 20th - Saturday 23rd November Mesnes Park will open at 7am and close at 3pm

Sunday 24th November Mesnes Park will open at 7am and then remain open as usual to park visitors.

Please be aware that particular sections and footpaths within the park will be off limits during the above open hours to support the health and safety of park visitors.

WHAT SECURITY MEASURES WILL BE IN PLACE AT LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

The event has full 24 hours security to protect the artworks and keep the public safe. Each gateway entrance will be looked after by security and event stewards to check tickets and bags. 

Please avoid bringing bags wherever possible to ensure you can enter the event quickly and to reduce your queuing times.

To support your health and safety, please do not bring any of the following items to the event:

• Alcohol

• Glass bottles or other containers

• Bicycles 

• Music systems

• Sparklers/Fireworks

• Sharp objects that can be used as a weapon or any other potentially dangerous items.

Bags will be searched with any items deemed to be dangerous/prohibited will be confiscated. These will be made available for collection on exit at the gate at which you entered. 

First Aid facilities and Water Safety team will also be available at the event.

HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER FOR LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?

We welcome volunteers on our team. Our volunteers help to welcome our audiences and ensure the artworks are kept safe. 

To sign up, please fill in this short form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1fh1VSyGXTmljvdDK_cuY37_DFqLP-FiRey-7zxENdz4/edit 

You’ll be provided with hot drinks and food during your shift, and have somewhere warm to sit during your breaks. If you have any questions about the opportunity, contact Lauren on lightnightwigan@gmail.com. 

WHAT IMPACT DOES LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN HAVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

The Light Night Wigan team work hard to reduce any negative impacts on the environment during the event. The artworks are powered by mains electricity where possible and we ask all artists to consider environmental impacts in the design and installation of their artworks. 

Audiences can help us by considering their travel arrangements and sharing cars if this is the only method of transport available, using litter and recycling bins provided or taking rubbish home to recycle.