Inside the stunning immersive light show taking over Manchester's Mayfield Park this winter

As the night draws in, and the hats and gloves come out, attention turns to the festive events enticing us to leave the warmth and venture outside. A staple of this time of year is the vast array of light shows and here in Greater Manchester we’re lucky to have many returning events, as well as a raft of new installations.

As well as Christmas at Heaton Park from the same company behind the popular Dunham event, there’s a brand new Twilight Trail at Mayfield Park in the city centre. Last night, ahead of the trail’s official launch on Friday, we took a look around the immersive light and sound show which is being billed as ‘dazzling city-centre winter escape’.

Last September, Manchester welcomed its first new park in a century as Mayfield opened its gates just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Station. Now, and running until New Year’s Eve, a stunning winter light show is snaking its way around the 6.5 acre park complete with thousands of shimmering installations, a fire pit for toasting marshmallows and a spirograph tunnel ideal for snapping those festive family photos.

READ MORE: The festive light trails in and around Greater Manchester this Christmas 2023

READ MORE: First look at spectacular Glow light trail as it opens at RHS Bridgewater

The immersive, city-centre light trail can also be seen from Freight Island, which for the Christmas season is being transformed into ‘Winter Island’, where the depot’s food and drink traders will be serving up some festive grub, and Father Christmas will also be making an appearance to vet those all-important lists ahead of the big day.

Arriving into the park, visitors will immediately be treated to some disco vibes thanks to a soundtrack curated by much-loved Manchester based collective La Discotheque. To celebrate the first ever Twilight Trail, La Discotheque has invited the internationally acclaimed DJ and Producer Kenny Dope to soundtrack the light trail as visitors immerse themselves with the special mix.

Once through the entrance, the dazzling trail, which runs until 31 December, takes around 30 minutes to walk around, but there’s numerous stop-off points for snacks and treats. As well as walking through the Spirograph tunnel, there’s a fairy-light tunnel to find, plus a disco under the bridges with stunning mirror ball installations.

The path leads to a magical wonderland, boasting a giant modern cone-style Christmas tree surrounded by huge Christmas presents. Mayfield Park’s children's playground has also been transformed into a wondrous night-time adventure, impressively lit up to be experienced like never before.

The Twilight Trail is also hosting a range of festive traders including a mulled wine bar, Jubel Beer Bar and a hot chocolate hut serving up the festive must-have with Chantilly cream and sticky toffee pudding. Auntie Jack’s sweet emporium will also be serving up treats such as candy floss and freshly made warm doughnuts.

Once you’ve completed the trail, you can make your way next door to Freight Island to continue the festive fun. Here, you can treat yourself to a luxurious hot chocolate from Cocoa Cabana, try Teesside delicacy Parmogedden’s cheesy delicacies and peruse an entire bratwurst menu from the Smoking Coal German BBQ.

Cheese lovers really need to check out Formaggi by Lazy Tony’s as well, as they’ll be serving some Italian American toasties, deep fried sides of Burrata in tomato sauce, melted Camembert, Taleggio nuggets, as well as garlic and herb oil loaded roasties with pizza, hot chicken, pesto, and poutine toppings. All of Freight Island’s resident traders - Burgerism, Voodoo Ray’s, Lazy Tony’s Lasagneria, Patel’s Pies, Payal, Mia’s Arepas, FUKU, Mega Gyros, Oh My Cheesecake, and Fry-By - will all be dishing up their much-loved dishes too.

If you’ve got children with you, there’s also the chance to visit Santa in the Plant Room, which has been transformed into a captivating Grotto. The 30-minute experience is ticketed at £22.50 per child which include a small Lego gift, a Lindt Chocolate and photo opportunity. Tickets are free for accompanying adults.

The Twilight Trails runs from Friday, 17 November until Sunday 31 December. On Wednesday it is open (Dec only) 4.30pm - 10pm, Thursday (Nov - Dec) 4.30pm - 10pm, Friday (Nov - Dec) 4.30pm - 10pm, Saturday (Nov - Dec) 6pm - 11pm and Sunday (Nov - Dec) 6pm - 10pm.

Tickets are booked in advance with suggested arrival times. Guests are welcome to stay as long as they would like and move between The Twilight Trail and Freight Island.

Adult ticket (13+) are available for £9 and a child ticket (3-12) is £7 for November dates, and adult ticket (13+) of £10 and child ticket (3-12) of £8 for December dates. Under 2s go free across all dates. Family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) available at £28 for November dates and £32 for December dates.

The Twilight Trail is one of the first festive light trails to open this year across Greater Manchester. You can see our full list here.