Light Night Wigan
Visitors can wander through illuminated artworks and light installations spread across Mesnes Park and multiple Wigan town centre venues. The festival showcases diverse art including Luke Jerram's Gaia, neon trails, laser harps, dancing fountains, and storytelling. Food and drink are available across the town centre, and Fredericks Café inside the park offers luxury hot chocolates, snacks, and desserts.
What to Expect
Free light art festival across Mesnes Park and Wigan town centre.
Event Details
Duration
Around 90 minutes for each trail.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Wigan Town Centre
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Wigan Council
Food & Drink
Fredericks Café in Mesnes Park serves luxury hot chocolates, snacks and desserts, and additional food and drink is available throughout the town centre.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of illuminated art
Vibe
Creative and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free; a ticket is required for the Mesnes Park trail, but not for the town centre trail. – Get tickets
- Parking: Blue Badge holders can use nearby pay-and-display street parking on Bridgeman Terrace and Mesnes Park Terrace free of charge when displaying a Blue Badge. Other car-parking information will be updated closer to the event.
- Accessibility: Mainly accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs with uneven ground in places, audio descriptions for artworks, and a Changing Places toilet at The Lodge.
- Pets: No dogs in Mesnes Park except assistance dogs. Dogs are allowed in the town centre, but some venues may not allow them.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive within your 30-minute Mesnes Park arrival slot, because if you come outside it you may be asked to wait before going in.
- Leave bags at home if you can, because bags and pushchairs are searched at the Mesnes Park entrance and fewer bags means shorter queues.
- Allow around 90 minutes for each trail if you plan to see both the Mesnes Park and town centre artworks on the same night.
- Wear sensible shoes and clothes for the weather, as some paths are uneven. In high winds or heavy rain, some artworks may be taken down.
- If someone in your party can't come, cancel their tickets through Venue Toolbox so the free places go back to other families.
Special Events & Promotions
- New this year: a free Town Centre Trail with no ticket needed, at venues including The Old Courts, Royal Court Theatre, Wigan Museum and Makinson Arcade
- Quiet Hour each night for the Mesnes Park trail, for SEND and autistic families; booking essential
- A limited number of accessible tickets for Luke Jerram's Gaia at The Old Courts, bookable in advance
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket?
The whole festival is free. You need a free ticket for the Mesnes Park trail, but not for the Town Centre Trail, although there may be queues at some indoor venues.
What's on the Town Centre Trail?
Highlights include Luke Jerram's Gaia and a laser harp at The Old Courts, and a dancing fountain and neon works in Sir Billy Boston Square. There are also exhibits at Wigan Museum and Makinson Arcade, and a Wigan heritage neon trail around town.
What is the Quiet Hour?
It's a calmer, less busy and less dark session on the Mesnes Park trail, an hour before the main opening each night. It's designed for SEND and autistic families, and you still need to book.
What food and drink is there?
Fredericks Café in Mesnes Park serves luxury hot chocolates, snacks and desserts, and there's more food and drink around the town centre. You can't bring alcohol into Mesnes Park.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteers welcome visitors and help keep the artworks safe. Sign up with the short online form. You get hot drinks and food during your shift and somewhere warm to sit on breaks.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.