Illuminated displays honouring Lionesses and more to light up Wigan park later this month

A free night-time event in Wigan will showcase some of the borough’s artistic talent as the Light Night Wigan festival returns for another year.

Taking place between Thursday, November 16 and Saturday, November 18, the festival will feature a range of mesmerising light displays as well as food and drink stalls. The event is in its third year, having previously been held along the towpaths of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

But this year it's now being hosted in Mesnes Park, a larger location to accommodate more visitors. Among the installations are displays made in association with local residents. The Wigan Borough Icons will highlight heroes of the area, including Wigan Athletic mascot Crusty the Pie, Lionesses star Ella Toone and Rugby legend Andy Farrell which were chosen from over 400 submissions from school children.

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As well as admiring the displays, visitors can grab a bite to eat at local food stalls including Greek Street Food, Fratelli’s Pizzeria and Wings ‘n’ Things. Tickets to the exhibition are free, but attendees must book timeslots in advance to avoid disappointment. Volunteers will be on hand to assist the public throughout the park.

The event is curated by Things That Go On Things, who have hosted numerous nighttime exhibitions across Greater Manchester since 2020. Gemma Saunders, co-founder of the company, said: “It’s a free family-friendly festival. We’re bringing artwork to people in public spaces, they don’t need to go to a gallery or a theatre. People can expect a lovely evening, you can explore Mesnes Park in a different way