AN award-winning light festival is coming to Heaton Park later this year.

Lightopia will feature lanterns, immersive installations and an illuminated trail that has been designed to maintain social distance from others.

It will run from November 20 to January 3.

New themes to uncover include a Christmas showcase, which uses the Grade I-listed Heaton Hall as its sparkling backdrop.

Also new, is the Astronomy display illuminating the night sky with its Moon installation.

Other pieces include robotic controlled pads on the floor, which create light shows when stepped on and an interactive Zodiac Sign installation. There will also be an area dedicated to the Manchester Skyline and an immersive Musical City encouraging visitors to dance their way through the lights.

The popular Animals attraction will return and youngsters can enter a world of candy, flowers and characters at the Woodland Fairytale area.

The Lakeside water show will also play a key role in the exhibition where a state-of-the-art projection will bring the story of Lightopia to life; with a new production created for 2020 that reflects the Lightopia themes of discovery.

Ian Xiang, creative director of Lightopia, said: “We are excited to bring Lightopia back to Manchester, and have once again created a world in which light, sculpture and art combine with traditional, Chinese lantern-making techniques to create an immersive experience, full of light and stories.

"We want our guests to become part of the Lightopia story, helping to create new forms of art as they interact and engage with the luminescent sculptures that trail through Heaton Park.”

Pre-sale tickets have gone on sale today, Wednesday. All you need to do is register at lightopiafestival.com to be eligible for 20 per cent off before general sale tickets go on sale on Friday. There will be wider footpaths to maintain social distancing and three entry points to reduce queuing