Frequently asked questions.
FAQS
WHAT IS LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?
Light Night Wigan is a FREE light art festival situated in Wigan.
We have a FREE trail in Mesnes Park - tickets are required for the Mesnes Park trail.
This year Light Night Wigan also takes over Wigan town centre. Venues include - The Old Courts, Royal Court Theatre, Makinson Arcade, Wigan Museum and Sir Billy Boston Square.
NO TICKET IS REQUIRED for the town centre trail although there could be queues at certain locations - and it is also FREE to attend.
WHEN IS LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?
Light Night Wigan takes place over three consecutive nights from Friday 20th November to Sunday 22nd November 2026 from 5pm - 9:30pm.
WHERE DOES LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN TAKE PLACE?
Light Night Wigan takes place in Mesnes Park, Wigan WN1 1TU AND this year Light Night Wigan also takes over Wigan town centre - venues include - The Old Courts, Royal Court Theatre, Makinson Arcade, Wigan Museum and Sir Billy Boston Square.
DO I NEED A TICKET FOR LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?
Light Night Wigan is FREE to attend across Mesnes Park and the Town Centre.
However, a ticket is required to attend the event at Mesnes Park. Mesnes Park will be closed to non-ticket holders on the evenings of 20th-22nd November, and you will need a ticket to enter the site
No ticket is required for the town centre trail although there could be queues at certain locations.
Unfortunately The Old Courts are not easily accessible. We will have a limited number of accessible tickets that can be booked in advance to see Luke Jerram’s Gaia. PLEASE GO HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION.
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 the Venue Toolbox website via your log-in so that tickets can be released back into the system. If you’re having issues cancelling tickets please email events@wigan.gov.uk.
WHO ARE THE RELAXED SLOTS FOR?
We are offering a Quiet Hour between 4-5pm 20th - 22d November for the Mesnes Park trail. This quieter experience will offer a calm and gentle space designed for SEND and autistic families to enjoy the lights in a relaxed and sensory-friendly way. Booking is still essential.
WHAT IF I MISS MY TIME SLOT - CAN I STILL ATTEND?
Please aim to arrive in your designated 30 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?
Our Mesnes Park trail will take around 90 mins to explore, but feel free to wander and take the artworks in at your own pace.
The town centre trail 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 9:30pm.
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 and there are artworks throughout the town centre close to the bus and train stations.
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.
For more information on Wigan town centre car parking please visit:
Blue Badge holders are advised to utilise the surrounding Pay and Display street parking options on Bridgeman Terrace and Mesnes Park Terrace. This will be free of charge if a Blue Badge is displayed.
CAN I BRING MY DOG TO LIGHT NIGHT WIGAN?
No dogs are permitted in Mesnes Park at the event with the exception of assistance dogs. This is for the safety of the dog as well as the public.
Dogs are allowed throughout the town centre although they may not be allowed in at certain venues so please consider this when deciding to bring your dog.
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 to Mesnes Park. You may have to leave your buggy in a buggy park at some of the town centre venues.
IS THE EVENT ACCESSIBLE?
The event is mainly accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs. Please be advised there may be uneven surfaces in certain areas of the park and town centre.
Unfortunately The Old Courts are not easily accessible. We will have a limited number of accessible tickets that can be booked in advance to see Luke Jerram’s Gaia. PLEASE GO HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION.
There is a Changing Places toilet at The Lodge at the main gate to Mesnes Park.
We will have audio descriptions for each artwork. Some of the artworks have sound incorporated and there will be storytelling. If you require a quieter, less busy and less dark slot for the Mesnes Park trail please book a ticket for 4-5pm.
If you have any mobility or other access issues, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for specific information. Please email events@wigan.gov.uk.
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?
Fredericks Café will remain open for event attendees in Mesnes Park with a range of luxury hot chocolates, snacks and desserts and will be open from 5pm.
No alcohol may be brought into Mesnes Park site.
Additional food and drink will be available throughout the town centre.
ARE THERE ANY PUBLIC TOILETS AT THE EVENT?
Yes, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities available at Mesnes Park. A Changing Places toilet facility is also available at The Lodge by 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 in Mesnes Park will remain closed for the duration of the event.
ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF THE PARK STAYING THE SAME DURING THE EVENT?
The park will have reduced public access in the week of the event for event
preparations and operation on the dates below:
Monday 16th November – Thursday 19th November open at 7am and close at 7pm
Friday 20th November - Sunday 22nd November open at 7am and close at 2pm
Monday 23rd November open at 7am and then remain open as usual
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.
Mesnes park and the town centre 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.
First Aid facilities and Water Safety team will also be available at Mesnes Park.
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.
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 us 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 bins provided or taking rubbish home to recycle.