Tickets For Scarborough's ‘Biggest-Ever’ Moonlight on the Lake Now On Sale

Thousands of families are due to return to Scarborough to witness the largest event of its kind on the North Yorkshire coast which is aimed at boosting tourism into the autumn.

Peasholm Park will once again be transformed into a wonderland of lanterns and illuminations this autumn for the biggest-ever Moonlight on the Lake.

Organised by North Yorkshire Council and staged by Animated Objects, this year’s artistic extravaganza will be held on Friday, October 24 and Saturday, October 25.

Attendance records were shattered in 2024 with over 10,000 visitors, providing a welcome boost to local businesses. Organisers expect interest for this year’s event to be even higher with tickets now on sale.

Moonlight on the Lake is among events that are being staged outside of the busy summer tourism season to try to boost the county’s visitor economy.

Tourism in the Scarborough area is worth more than £579 million annually with 3.9 million visitors each year and more than 5,500 full-time jobs supported by the sector.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture, Cllr Simon Myers, said:

“Moonlight on the Lake is always a real highlight of the year and means a lot to residents and visitors alike.

“Thousands of families from across the county visited Scarborough for last year’s event, and this year’s offering looks set to be even bigger.

“We are always looking to extend the tourism season well beyond the summer when it’s traditionally quieter and our towns and coastal destinations can see reduced footfall, and attractions like this play a key role in helping us to achieve that.

“It’s an event that benefits everybody, including residents, visitors and local businesses, and we are looking forward to seeing all the amazing illuminations and artwork that will be on show this time around.”

Visitors of all ages will be able to explore the park and witness the largest range of illuminated lanterns ever seen on the Yorkshire coast, with magical reflections created in the water along with some of the fantastic creations made by community groups and local schools.

The lights will showcase different themes celebrating Scarborough’s heritage and the history of Peasholm Park.

The event will also play host to a full-size cardboard replica of a Spitfire which will be illuminated to compliment other artworks of remembrance and reflection, marking the 80-year anniversary since the end of the Second World War.

Cllr Eric Broadbent, the local member for the Northstead division on North Yorkshire Council, said:

“Moonlight on the Lake is a delightful way for residents and visitors to enjoy one of the county’s most beautiful parks.

“It is always a night to remember and one of the highlights in Scarborough’s calendar. I am really looking forward to this year’s event and hope it can continue everyone’s imagination, showcasing the town’s rich heritage and history.”

The artistic director of Animated Objects, Lee Threadgold, also shared his excitement ahead of this year’s event.

He said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Moonlight back to Peasholm Park for 2025.

“The warmth of the response from visitors last year was amazing and it was wonderful to see so many people in the park enjoying the artworks in a family friendly environment, thanks to the support from our event partners at North Yorkshire Council.

“Nothing can quite beat the magic of seeing beautiful lanterns reflected on the water, and we’re proud to say that everything you will see on display has been made here in Yorkshire.”

With October’s event set to be bigger than ever before, there will be no walk-in option available this year, so families are being encouraged to buy their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

There will be a £2 entrance fee for adults this year as organisers look to sustain the event and ensure as many visitors have the opportunity to attend as possible.

It follows a number of cases in 2024 when people booked tickets and took up time slots, but did not show up.

Entry slots will be at 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 7.15pm, 8pm and 8.30pm on the Friday, and at 5.45pm, 6.30pm, 7.15pm and 8pm on the Saturday. 

Tickets are now on sale for the event. They cost £2 for adults plus a 50p booking fee, and are free for children aged 15 and under.

Bookings are timed and must be made in advance. To secure your ticket, or for more information about the event, visit www.moonlightonthelake.co.uk.