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PHOTOS: Northern Lights dazzle on Highest Point festival day one

The Northern Lights above the Ashton Memorial in Williamson Park on Friday May 10 2024

The Northern Lights made a spectacular late night appearance on day one of Highest Point festival in Lancaster’s Williamson Park.

The aurora borealis wowed the music festival crowds by coming into view over the iconic Ashton Memorial, and could be seen right across the UK too.

The rare visibility of the lights came after one of the strongest geomagnetic storms for years hit Earth, with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issuing a rare solar storm warning.

There were sightings right across North Lancashire and Morecambe Bay as people went outside their homes to snap photos of the lights.

Their appearance rounded off in style a first day of Highest Point which included performances by superstar singers Tom Odell, Sam Ryder and Cat Burns, and local bands LOWES and Indifferent Monkey.

Festival organiser Rich Dyer said: “We’re used to stunning sunsets and astonishing views at Highest Point but seeing the Northern Lights is truly special.”

Beyond Radio hosted a four-hour live radio broadcast direct from the park on Friday. Here is presenter Vanessa Ramsden with Sam Ryder.

Highest Point festival continues tonight with performances from legendary boy band Busted, the iconic Gok Wan and rising star Caity Baser.

Tickets are available from £68.50 per adult.

Festival-goers can purchase a VIP upgrade for £40 per adult in order to watch the main stage from the steps of the Ashton Memorial - as well as accessing the VIP bar and toilets.

Highest Point is family-friendly and children under 12 are free. The festival is also fully accessible and carers tickets are free.

More information – including ticket details and the full line-up – is available HERE.

The festival is organised by Northern Powerhouse Events, a Lancashire-based events company formed in 2020 by Richard Dyer, Jamie Scahill and Ben Sebborn.

Here are more photos of Day 1 at Highest Point. You can see many more images at the Beyond Radio Facebook page HERE.

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