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WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel Lightopia Festival at Heaton Park, you can transfer your ticket to a different date or receive a refund. We will inform everyone via email and our social media outlets as soon as possible on the day. Always check you spam folder for any communication from us!
Under any other circumstances Lightopia Festival tickets are non refundable and non-exchangeable. We are unable to swap the date of your booking at any point!
CAN I CHANGE THE DATE OF MY TICKET?
Unfortunately we are unable to change the date of your ticket after you booked it for any reason, including the weather! Please make sure you book the correct date and if you cannot attend, please feel free to pass on your tickets to friends or family.
DO I NEED TO BOOK IN ADVANCE?
To avoid disappointment please book your tickets in advance - popular dates sell out fast. Tickets can be bought on the day at the venue for an extra £2 per ticket IF they haven't already sold out.
DO YOU OFFER FREE TICKETS FOR PERSONAL ASSISTANTS?
A disabled person purchasing a ticket may bring one essential carer companion free of charge. Please purchase a ticket for the disabled person first and then fill in this form HERE a minimum of 3 working days prior to the date you wish to visit.
PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to purchase a ticket for the essential carer. If you do, we will not be able to refund you this ticket!
Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. For further queries of this form or around accessibility please email info@lightopiafestival.com. If you cannot access the Google form, please email us and we will provide you with an application form via email.
HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST?
Adult (16+):
Off-Peak/Peak
£17.50/£22.50 (plus booking fee)
Child (3-15):
£11/£14.50 (plus booking fee)
Infant (2 and under):
free of charge
Please ensure that you booked your free infant ticket before you attend.
Family:
£49/£69 (plus booking fee)
Personal Assistant:
Free (upon Application)
Please see the FAQ section "Do you offer free tickets fro personal assistants" for more details on how to apply.
Box Office Pricing:
All tickets will an extra £2 at the box office , if available on the day!
HOW/WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY TICKETS?
You can view your booking at any time by logging into your Easol customer account , please use the link below :
Your PDF tickets will be available to download 7 days prior to the day of your visit. For any bookings made less than 7 days before the visit , the tickets will become available immediately.
We will also send you PDF tickets using the same time schedule. Please always check your spam folder!
I CAN’T FIND MY TICKETS OR HAVE LOST THEM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Upon completing your ticket purchase, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.
If it is the week of your event and you cannot find your event tickets please check your Spam/Junk Folder or log into Easol to download your tickets here:
You can also email us at info@lightopiafestival if you cannot find your tickets, please make sure to include as much information as possible, such as the Location, Order Number, Name & Email Address used to book the tickets.
Please note : Our customer service team can not respond to you instantly and usually require at least 24hrs to respond to any queries, so please ensure that check you tickets at least 2 days before the event!
CAN I BUY TICKETS AT THE VENUE?
You will be able to buy tickets at our Box Office on the day IF the event is not sold out for an extra £2 per ticket.
I HAVE A QUESTION IN REGARDS TO A TICKET(S) THAT I HAVE PURCHASED, WHO DO I SPEAK TO?
You can email our customer service team via info@lightopiafestival.com.
Please allow at least 24 hrs for them to get in touch with you!
HOW DO I GET TO LIGHTOPIA FESTIVAL?
Lightopia Festival is accessible via a number of different transportation methods.
Arriving by Car
We have a number of car parks on site that are available for customers.
North - St Margaret’s Road, M25 2GT
South - Lake Car Park, Sheepfoot Lane, M25 0DL
Car parking tickets will be available to purchase online and onsite unless sold out in advance. If you are driving it is highly recommended that you purchase your car parking ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.
Click to purchase your parking ticket here - the same page you book your event tickets, just scroll down - the parking is below event tickets. If you buy your car parking ticket at the venue it will cost £7.
Metrolink
Metrolink services will take you directly to the Heaton Park and Bowker Vale stops, which are only a few minutes’ walk from the park. Journeys take around 20 minutes from Manchester city centre.
Remember you must have a valid Metrolink ticket or pass before boarding a tram. Travel from the city centre to Heaton Park will require a 1+2+3 zone ticket. You can find a full breakdown of the prices here
Metrolink customers can find out more information about services on the TFGM website or by calling Customer Services on 0161 205 2000. Follow @MCRMetrolink on Twitter for live travel updates.
If you are arriving by public transport or on foot please access Lightopia Festival via the entrance gate opposite Heaton Park Tram Stop, on Bury Old Road, M25 1JN.
Park and Ride
Metrolink customers can also use one of our park and rides for free. The closest stations with Park and Ride facilities are:
– Radcliffe with 396 spaces (Crook Street, Radcliffe, M26 2SU)
– Whitefield with 216 spaces (Nuttall Avenue, Whitefield, M45 6QA)
Please note the park and ride facilities are only available to Metrolink customers.
Overnight parking is also available at some Park and Ride sites, but you must collect your car by midday the following day.
If you are arriving by public transport or on foot please access Lightopia Festival via the entrance gate opposite Heaton Park Tram Stop, on Bury Old Road, M25 1JN.
Bus
Heaton Park is served by existing bus routes from around Greater Manchester: 41, 59, 90, 135 and 484.
If you’re travelling by bus this week visit TFGM’s online Route Explorer, which puts information on services and timetables at your fingertips.
If you are arriving by public transport or on foot please access Lightopia Festival via the entrance gate opposite Heaton Park Tram Stop, on Bury Old Road, M25 1JN.
Train
Manchester is well served by rail, with services running into Manchester Piccadilly, Oxford Road and Victoria.
You can connect to onward Metrolink services from Victoria and Piccadilly.
The following companies operate into Manchester:
– Northern Rail
– TransPennine Express
– LNER
– Cross Country
– Arriva Trains Wales
– East Midlands
Be sure to plan ahead and check train times on the National Rail website before you travel.
National Rail will always have the latest information on rail services. Follow them on Twitter in advance of your journey @nationalrailenq
If you are arriving by public transport or on foot please access Lightopia Festival via the entrance gate opposite Heaton Park Tram Stop, on Bury Old Road, M25 1JN.
By Foot
Walking between the city centre and Heaton Park, may be another alternative option. The walk is flat and will take around an hour from the city centre – just follow the signs along Bury Old Road (West of Heaton Park) to Cheetham Hill Road and into the city.
If you are arriving by public transport or on foot please access Lightopia Festival via the entrance gate opposite Heaton Park Tram Stop, on Bury Old Road, M25 1JN.
HOW LONG CAN I PARK FOR?
The time outlined on your parking pass ticket is the time slot that you have to arrive and park. Once your vehicle is parked, you can stay as long as you need to and your car can remain parked until you leave.
IS THE EVENT SUITABLE FOR DISABLED VISITORS AND ARE THERE DISABLED PARKING SPACES?
Lightopia is wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible. There are some gentle hills around the park but otherwise the route is flat.
Disabled parking is available at both car parks. If you are a blue badge holder or require a carer, you do not need to purchase a car parking ticket. Please apply for a disabled parking ticket via our carer ticket application form HERE. Spaces are limited so please make sure you book your space in advance. All spaces will be allocated on a "first come first serve basis". If you do purchase a parking ticket before your apply for disabled parking, we will not be able to refund you this ticket. If you are unsure whether you qualify for free disabled parking, please contact the customer service team via info@dinokingdom.com
Please note that we require at least 24 hours for this to be processed!
ARE PETS WELCOME?
Unfortunately, no pets are allowed to join your journey. Registered Assistance/Guide dogs are allowed.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
On average people spent 1.5 hours at the event in 2021, however depending on your walking pace and whether or not you choose to partake in other activities on-site including food, drinks, rides, this time period may be shorter or longer. The walking route is approximately 1.5 miles long and there are some gentle hills - please note we do not hire out wheelchairs at event.
CAN I BRING BICYCLES TO THE EVENT!
Unfortunately, no adult or children bicycles are allowed at the event.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES?
Gates Open: 17:00 | Last Entry: 20:30 sharp | Event Close: 22:00
WHAT IS LIGHTOPIA FESTIVAL?
Lightopia is a festival of hand-sculpted lanterns, cherry-picked from across the globe. These unique pieces are carefully curated into a new fantasy themed route that leads through the beautiful Heaton Park. The route also includes food stalls and licensed bars that offer refreshments along the way.
Get ready to walk through the illuminated trail and witness magical light installations of all shapes and sizes. Don’t miss out on our interactive installations, where you can control when the lights will shine.
Enjoy the most festive time of the year at the lakeside water show with Christmas themed synchronised dancing lights, shining stars and breathtaking soundtracks to make this moment unforgettable.
ARE FAIRGROUND RIDES INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE?
Unfortunately not - all fairground rides are an extra expense and are not included in the ticket price.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
We advise arriving 15 minutes before your booked entry start time. Bear in mind that if you are driving to the event, there may be traffic. We advise taking this into consideration when deciding on what time to begin your journey.
WHERE IS LIGHTOPIA FESTIVAL?
Lightopia Festival is located in the magnificent Heaton Park, Manchester:
Heaton Park, Sheepfoot Lane, Manchester.
WHO IS LIGHTOPIA FESTIVAL SUITABLE FOR?
Lightopia Festival is suitable for all ages and is to be enjoyed by everyone.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Lightopia takes place outdoors and you may need to queue on busy days. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for winter weather. We reserve the right to refuse inappropriately clothed patrons’ access.
DO I NEED A LIGHTOPIA FESTIVAL ADMISSION TICKET FOR DINE IN THE LIGHT?
Our dining experiences including the staple courtyard and the illuminated private domes are exclusively for Lightopia admission ticket holders, so please ensure each guest has a Lightopia ticket for the date you are wishing to dine.
HOW WILL I BE CHARGED FOR THE ILLUMINATED PRIVATE DINING DOMES?
You will be charged the minimum spend at the point of booking online, which will be taken off of your bill on the night. The minimum spend for a 6 seater dome is £150 and the minimum spend for a 12 seater dome is £300. The adult set menu is priced at £38.00 per person and the children's set menu is priced at £18.00 per child.
CAN LESS THAN 6 OR 12 PEOPLE DINE IN THE ILLUMINATED PRIVATE DINING DOMES?
Yes, less than 6 or 12 people are welcome to dine, however the minimum spend will still apply.
ARE 'THE STABLES COURTYARD BAR & DINING' AND 'THE ILLUMINATED PRIVATE DINING DOMES' TWO DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES?
Yes, the experiences are both unique and separate.
The Stables Courtyard Bar & Dining offers a more casual dining experience, with various tempting food stalls available such as Stone Baked Pizza and Gourmet Soft Shell Tacos. Music, lanterns, a quirky and rustic design and a fabulously festive atmosphere create the perfect dining experience for families, groups and couples.
The Illuminated Private Dining Domes offer a more intimate and immersive dining experience, with a three-course set menu curated by 3 AA Rosette Chef, Chris Holland and his Culinary Team. Set in the gardens, surrounded by beautiful lanterns, an exclusive, Illuminated Dining Dome is yours for up to 90 minutes, for plenty of festive cheer, fabulous food and creative cocktails.
ARE THE DINING EXPERIENCES SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?
Both The Illuminated Dining Domes and The Stables Courtyard Bar & Dining are perfect for the whole family. The 'Pirate Banquet', available as part of the Dining Domes experience, has been created by our Chef's with children in mind – An creative platter to capture their imaginations. A Child’s ‘Pirate Banquet’ set menu package is £18.00 per child, which includes a fun and fantastical meal and a drink.
WHICH CAR PARK SHOULD I USE IF I BOOK A DINING EXPERIENCE?
Please park in the North Car Park if you are attending a dining experience, as it is the closest to the dining venue.
I HAVE QUESTIONS IN REGARDS TO "DINE IN THE LIGHT", WHO DO I SPEAK TO?
If you have questions in relation to our dining experiences, please contact our dedicated customer service team dining@lightopiafestival.com who would be very happy to assist you.