Y OU'LL get the chance to see Nottingham in a whole new light this evening thanks to the return of one of the most popular events of the year. Light Night will feature a whole host of fantastic events, family activities, street entertainers, amazing illuminated art installations, plus live music and special offers in bars and restaurants.

Now in its fifth year, the event is designed to encourage all the family into the city centre after dark.

The varied programme includes illuminated characters on the city streets, an exciting dream-walking event where people can follow a map to find hidden, glowing dream images, a selection of family activities including sword fencing and crafts, and much more.

Light Night is organised by Nottingham City Council, with support from We Are Nottingham, the Business Improvement District for the city centre.

This year, licensees from across the city have also joined forces to launch a festival of live music and entertainment.

More than 23 venues will be hosting activities, including a special light show and DJs at Saltwater and a UV extravaganza at Walkabout.

Councillor Dave Trimble says: "We are delighted that We Are Nottingham are bringing this new twist to Light Night.

"The programme of live music will bring a great mix of variety to the night.

"Our programme of activities for Light Night is already taking shape and is bursting with many free, unique activities and events to suit everyone."

Here's a taste of what's in store:

INDOOR HIGHLIGHTS

Tours of the City of Caves 3pm-5pm

Glow in the Dark activities, including face painting: Oliver Hind Club, Sneinton, 3.30pm-5.30pm.

The Ice Book miniature theatre puppet show: Broadway Cinema, from 3.30pm.

The light village, Nottingham Contemporary, 4pm-9pm.

Special tours of the Galleries of Justice, from 5pm.

Unveiling of the Nottingham Children's Book awards: Nottingham Central Library, 5pm-7pm

Tales of Adventure and Derring Do on Wildcat Island: Theatre Royal, from 5.45pm.

Tots at the Top crafts and song: Nottingham Playhouse, from 5.45pm.

Cloudwatching at the lava lamp forest: Broadway Cinema, from 6pm.

Nottingham "Chocolace": Nottingham tourist centre, 6pm-9pm.

Laser play: Broadway Cinema, 6pm-9pm.

Art on The Square: Nottingham Council House, 6pm-9pm.

Light installations and music: St Mary's church, from 6pm.

Sword fight at Light Night: Council House ballroom, 6.30pm-9.30pm.

St Nic's Church acoustic cafe: from 6.30pm.

Readings with Dickens: Central Library, 7pm-8pm.

Glow disco: The Greenway Centre, Sneinton, from 7pm.

Music and visual arts mini festival: The Bodega Social Club, 7pm-11pm.

Bollywood cinema: New Art Exchange, 7.30pm.

Backstage tour of the Theatre Royal with Ezekiel Bone, 9.30pm.

OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS

The light buggy: Drawing with light on streets throughout the city centre, from early evening.

Bottle family light installation: Maid Marian Way, until late.

Nottingham Youth Theatre celebrity crawl: With illuminated orchestra, throughout the city, until late.

Johnny and the Raindrops: New College Nottingham, The Lace Market, from 4pm.

The Big Wheel light bikes event, including free rickshaw rides and music: Trinity Square, 5pm-9pm.

Full programme of entertainment at Sneinton Market Square: 6pm-11pm.

Light Fantastic Physics Buskers: Maid Marian Way, 6pm-9pm.

Tours of Bromley House Garden: 6pm-9pm.

Illuminated characters and puppet walks throughout the city: 6pm-9pm.

Dream-walking, featuring hidden images throughout the city: 6pm-9.30pm.

Light Night choir: St Peter's Church, 6pm-10pm.

Art installation 'Trace': Broadmarsh Centre subway, 6pm-10pm.

HIG kinetic wind sculpture: Fletcher Gate, 6pm-10.30pm.

Nottingham School of Samba: Throughout the city from 7pm.

Indian drummers and Bhangra dancers: throughout the city, from 7.30pm.

AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

Nottingham Music School, from 5.30pm

Dozens of art installations, including the Invasion of Robin Hood at the iconic statue.

1000 Lanterns, created by local families, until 9.30pm.

Live music in the castle cafe, from 7.30pm.

You can find the full Light Night programme including details of live music and special offers at bars and restaurants at www.mynottingham.gov.uk/lightnight or call Nottingham Tourism Centre on 08444 775678.

And don't miss tomorrow's Weekend magazine for a round-up of half term events for all the family. Free with your Nottingham Post every Saturday.