Town gears up to dazzle at second Light Night (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Town gears up to dazzle at second Light Night

9:20am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News

BURY Light Night is getting ready to dazzle — with a flavour of the famous Blackpool Illuminations.

Several major pieces of lighting artwork from the resort will be among the attractions at the town’s second Light Night on Saturday, October 20.

With thousands of visitors expected, decorations will be draped around the historic Bolton Street Station, while the fountain in library gardens in Silver Street will be floodlit, transforming it into a eye-catching centrepiece.

There will also be attractions from Blackpool sited at St John’s Gardens at The Rock, outside M&S, and as part of a Laughing Garden by Kirsty Almeida and Alice Morter.

Blackpool’s laser bus will be situated at the East Lancashire Railway with its self-contained lasers, sound system and giant mirror ball.

Cllr Jane Lewis, Bury Council cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “Blackpool is synonymous with its spectacular lighting displays every year which have played a part in many a childhood memory. We’re thrilled to have just a small part of that which I hope will give Bury locals and visitors something which makes them see us in a new light.”

Also on display will be a “pulsating moon”, 12ft in diameter, which will descend outside the Castle Armoury and glow over the remains of Bury Castle. Among the other attractions will be a fire show in Kay Gardens, a display of light and sound at Bury Transport Museum at Castlecroft, a northern lights club with live music in Broad Street, northern bites at the Bury Tourist Information Centre, in Moss Street, and performances at the Lions Gardens in Crompton Street.

At The Rock, dancing flames on the roof of Barista and extreme “glow bowling” will be among the dazzling highlights, while visitors will be illuminated as they stroll down Central Street, with multi-coloured spotlights and lasers.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, centre director at The Rock, said: “Light Night is a magical evening that will once again bring together the community and celebrate everything that Bury has to offer as a town..”

The event was held on a Friday last year, attracting more than 10,000 people, but organisers are hoping it will prove an even bigger draw on a Saturday.

Cllr Lewis added: “Last year, as it was the first time we’d taken part in Light Night. It was a bit of an unknown quantity but we were blown away with how well it was received. We have had loads of positive feedback via our Twitter and Facebook feeds and lots of people have told us that they are planning to come again this year.” There will be market stalls and for food fans, tasty treats treats will be available. An online Light Night brochure can be found at bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=6932 and Facebook.