We’re already looking forward to Christmas, and there’s arguably no better place to be for the festivities than Greater Manchester. Whether it’s Christmas lights switch-ons, decking the halls (and streets), or events for all the family, every town and borough has something to offer. The great town of Bolton is no different, and headlining this year’s Christmas festivities is a mesmerising festival of light, aptly named ‘Put Big Light On‘, taking place across Bolton town centre from November 30 to December 21.
Bolton will be transformed for six ‘magical’ winter evenings, where visitors can experience the mysterious Northern Lights over Victoria Square, see the moon up close at Bolton Library and Museum and immerse themselves into a world of colourful and interactive artwork across other key locations.
The awe-inspiring installations will be created by artists from around the world including Borealis by Dan Acher, giving us the chance to experience something close to the real Northern Lights. Prepare to be truly blown away as the majesty of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena is recreated right here in Greater Manchester, consisting of layers of light, particle clouds and a whole load of activist thinking, pushing ‘art for change‘.
Bolton will also see the Museum of the Moon by Luke Jerram, which has been displayed in impressive buildings all over the world. And it’s not the first time, Jerram has ventured to Greater Manchester as his installations have appeared at Aviva Studios and at Lightwaves Festival at Salford Quays. Museum of the Moon will also be joined by Evanescent by Atelier Sisu, having been shown recently at Seoul Street Arts Festival.
The Christmas season in Bolton will be jam-packed as usual, with activities happening alongside ‘Put Big Light On’. This includes: Santa’s Grotto, Cinderella Pantomime, Lightbulb Princess show, The Father Christmas Experience, the annual Mayor’s Christmas Fair, and stalls and events taking place across Bolton Market and Bolton Library and Museum.
These Christmas events in Bolton are completely free, and Put Big Light On, including Borealis by Dan Acher in Victoria Square, can be seen on: Thursday 30 November, Friday 1 December, Saturday 2 December, Thursday 7 December, Friday 8 December and Saturday 9 December.