The days might be getting shorter, but that's no reason to stay indoors! Autumn in the North of England brings a spectacular array of light festivals, transforming our cities and towns into breathtaking open-air galleries.
Ditch the car and take the train so you can switch off and enjoy the evening to the fullest.
Save on your travel with an advance or family ticket and explore the unmissable events happening across the North.
Light shows in the North in 2026
River of Light Liverpool
When: 23rd October - 1st November
Nearest Station: Liverpool Lime Street
Liverpool's famous waterfront is once again set to be transformed by the annual River of Light festival. This year's theme is "Together," and the trail will feature an array of stunning artworks, including within the city centre. The installations are inspired by bringing people together and this is a beautiful way to see the city's iconic landmarks in a whole new light.
Lightpool Festival 2026
When: 21st to 31st October
Nearest Station: Blackpool North
Come join the fun at the Lightpool Festival in Blackpool! With 10 magical nights packed with light installations, live performances, and mesmerising 3D projection shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You’ll find a wonderful mix of events happening at both indoor and outdoor venues. Don’t miss out on this fantastic experience.
Light Up Lancaster
When: 5th - 7th November
Nearest station: Lancaster
Returning for a magical weekend, Light Up Lancaster brings art and light installations to the city's historic buildings and open spaces and promises a beautiful exploration of light artworks and projections that illuminate the city's heritage.
Barnsley Bright Nights
When: 20th - 21st November
Nearest station: Barnsley
Barnsley Bright Nights returns for its seventh year, promising to be bigger and better than ever. This free, interactive event will showcase illuminating artworks and performances across multiple venues in the town centre.
Expect a family-friendly atmosphere that kicks off the festive season in style.
Light Up Wakefield
When: 13th - 14th November
Nearest station: Wakefield Westgate
Light Up Wakefield is back with more dazzling light art installations than ever before. Pick up a free trail map to explore all the nature-themed light artworks across the city centre, see the incredible towering Mother Nature piece leading the display and enjoy some street food at the events hub.
Put Big Light On Festival
When: 19th November - 22nd November
Nearest Station: Bolton
Get ready to witness Luke Jerram's Helios artwork and the illuminated giants, appearing in Bolton for the first time. An event full of dazzling exhibitions, street entertainment, and immersive winter light art. Great for the whole family, it's the ideal day out with the kids this winter.
Light Night Wigan
When: 20th - 22nd November
Nearest station: Wigan Wallgate
Presented by Wigan Council, this event highlights the borough's canals and wetlands with a spectacular light trail. Now in its second year, the programme showcases work by artists with a particular interest in the natural world, delighting visitors of all ages with a trail of creative and exciting installations.
Light shows returning in 2027
Good things take time! These light shows will return in 2027 - so be sure not to miss out and check back here to plan ahead when dates are released. With an Advance Ticket you could save up to 60%, while also saving on booking costs when you book via the Northern App.
Light Night Leeds
When: 28th - 29th October
Nearest station: Leeds
Celebrating over 20 years of Light Night, this free, two-day festival will light up some of the city's most recognisable buildings and public spaces with mesmerising projections and installations.
A special highlight is a projection on the iconic Queens Hotel that celebrates 200 years of the modern railway.
Nightfall Middlesbrough
When: Returning in 2027
Nearest station: Marton
Nightfall will return to Middlesbrough's Stewart Park with an enchanting light trail and new theme in 2027. 2025’s theme was “Larger in Light,” with towering flowers, dancing rabbits, and glowing installations that transformed the park after dark, creating a truly magical experience.
Bradford is LIT
When: Returning in 2027
Nearest station: Bradford Interchange
Bradford's city centre will be transformed by a dazzling series of light and sound installations. This free, family-friendly event is a perfect way to explore the city in a new light, with installations from local, national, and international artists that celebrate the "colour of light."
Enjoy the dazzling North this autumn
These light shows are guaranteed to brighten up your autumn nights. With plenty of art installations to make you think or to simply admire, delicious food, and street shows - which ones will you choose? With Northern, getting there is easy! Save with a family ticket and enjoy no booking fees when you book via the Northern App. Your next autumn adventure is just a train ride away.
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- The promoter of this promotion is Northern Trains (the “Promoter”).
- The “Qualifying routes” are listed below
- The “Start Date” shall mean the 6th October 2025.
- A “Qualifying Ticket” means any single adult or child Standard Advance Ticket purchased online (https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/) or via the Promoter’s mobile phone application (https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/travel/free-mobile-app) on or after the Start Date that is valid for travel up to 3 days prior to the associated event.
- For the avoidance of doubt a return ticket does not constitute a Qualifying Ticket. The tickets is for one way only.
- Number of available tickets varies by train service.
- Up to two children under the age of 5 years may travel free with each adult that holds a Qualifying Ticket.
- All purchases of Qualifying Tickets are subject to the Promoter’s terms and conditions available to view at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/legal/conditions-of-travel and https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/legal/booking-service-terms-and-conditions.
- Qualifying Tickets must be purchased in advance of travel and are only available while stocks last.
- A Qualifying Ticket cannot be purchased in conjunction with a Railcard.
- A Qualifying Ticket is valid for travel ONLY on the date and service stated on the ticket and passengers must travel in the Class shown on the ticket.
- Passengers may not start, break and resume, or end their journey at any intermediate station except to change to/from connecting trains as shown on their Qualifying Ticket or other valid travel itinerary.
- Qualifying Tickets are non-refundable. Unless industrial action is announced, when the tickets could be changed in line with our Advance fares. Full T’s and C’s available at: https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/tickets/advance
- The National Rail Conditions of Travel apply for travel on all of the Promoter’s rail services. A copy of the National Rail Conditions of Travel is available at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/46427.aspx
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.