Get set for Luminarium in Mansfield

Mansfield is gearing up to welcome the world renowned Architects of Air Luminarium art installation next week.

The giant inflatable sculpture is in Chesterfield Road Park from Thursday 4 to Saturday 13 April. It will be open from 10am, with the last entry at 4pm and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Visitors should allow about 20 minutes to immerse themselves in the self-guided experience.

Entry on the door is possible if there is availability but advance tickets ensure people can visit at their preferred time.

Some dates and timeslots for advance tickets are now sold out but Tuesday 9 April to Friday 12 April currently have good availability. Bookings can be made at www.mansfield.gov.uk/Luminarium.

Pre-booking entitles the ticket holder to enter a priority lane on arrival. Ticket holders must arrive ten minutes before the time indicated on their ticket.

If pre-sales are sold out, visitors can join the on-the-door tickets queue. At busy times, there could be a wait of up to 40 minutes.

Cllr Stuart Richardson, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “We can’t wait to welcome visitors to this amazing multi-sensory art experience. Come along and make some special family memories. It is suitable for all ages.

“We advise people to dress for all weathers - it may be April, but it’s also England so you could need anything from waterproofs, wellies, gloves and scarves, to sunglasses and sun cream!”

Entry is £3 per person. Children under 16 will only be admitted with an accompanying adult. One adult can accompany up to four children. Children under two and carers can get in free. Carers must register as Essential Companions via the Box Office on 01623 463133.

Wheelchairs will be given priority entry. Prams, pushchairs and dogs, including assistance dogs, have to stay outside. Staff will be on hand to guide anyone with additional needs. Shoes must be removed to enter the Luminarium. These and any other possessions can be left in the reception area at the owner’s risk.

There will be free toilets, including accessible ones and a Changing Places, on the park during this event, plus food vendors. These include Sid and the Spoon serving hot drinks, a burger van and ice-cream seller. The Civic Corner Café in the Civic Centre nearby will also be open for refreshments, snacks and treats such as jacket potatoes and paninis.

Parking is limited. There are a few accessible parking spaces and limited parking in the Civic Centre car park. Several bus routes, including the Pronto and number 23 service, pass the park. There are a number of car parks in the town centre which is a 20-minute walk away.

Details and frequently asked questions about the experience can be found at www.mansfield.gov.uk/Luminarium.

The Luminarium, designed by artist Alan Parkinson, of Architects of Air,  has been presented all over the world in various formats for the past 32 years and been visited by more than three million people in that time.

The experience is described as both calming and exciting with visitors able to explore a colourful labyrinth of tunnels and cavernous domes accompanied by a gentle sensory soundscape.

The main dome features a rare heptagonal motif from Islamic traditional architecture. The smaller outer dome is inspired by Gaudi's Casa Güell in Barcelona.

The installation is a Mansfield District Council event and is thanks to funding by the government and Arts Council England as part of the council’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status and the Destination Mansfield programme.

For more details about events in Mansfield, visit the council website at www.mansfield.gov.uk/events, sign up to the events mailing list at https://myaccount.mansfield.gov.uk/q/register or follow the council’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mymansfielduk.