AN event described as the ‘ultimate Christmas lights experience’ is returning for the festive season.

The Magic Lantern Festival will bring hundreds of handmade installations, unique grottos, rides and Christmas markets to Philips Park, behind the Etihad Stadium in Manchester between November 24 and January 1.

The award winning festival has enjoyed sold-out runs for the last two years and is promising the most immersive experience of light, culture and cuisine yet.

Philips Park will play host to penguins on ice, an ancient temple of heaven and a footballing lantern recreation celebrating the city’s love of the beautiful game.

The festival, which also runs in four other cities is the brainchild of Weli Creative’s David Lee and Ian Xiang.

Mr Xiang said the locations had been ‘cherry-picked’ and ‘filled with giant fairytale-like lanterns, depicting elaborate Christmas scenes.’

More details are at magicallantern.uk