As in the previous year, Lord Mayor Frank Klingebiel supported the continuation of the event series: "With Light the Night, we are once again sending out a strong signal for a lively and attractive city center in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt. Such events not only bring color and joy into the dark season, they also strengthen our sense of community and give important impulses to local trade and gastronomy. I am particularly pleased that with the glowing dinosaurs we are picking up on a theme that inspires young and old alike. Salzgitter shows once again that our city centers are places of encounter and often also the setting for extraordinary attractions. That is why I have ensured that our economic development agency will be provided with the financial means to implement the Festival of Lights even after the funding programs expire."

WIS Managing Director Jan Erik Bohling explains the financing: "In the past two years, 90 percent of the funding for the Nights of Lights came from inner-city subsidies from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building. This year, the Zukunftsfähige Innenstädte und Zentren (ZIZ) program is coming to an end. The last available funds will be used to cover the costs of installing the dinosaur figures at Dinopark Münchehagen. The lighting and all other attractions will be financed by the Wirtschafts- und Innovationsförderung Salzgitter GmbH (WIS), which is responsible for organizing the event. The company's own contribution amounts to approx. 115,000 euros."

• Life-size prehistoric giants: There are over 20 impressive dinosaur models to marvel at - but beware, it's best not to get too close to some of them! As well as huge herbivores, dangerous predatory dinosaurs will also be visiting the city center - goosebumps guaranteed!
• Magical light experiences: A bubbling volcano, a mysterious time travel tunnel and a recently struck meteorite transform the city into a spectacular prehistoric world after dark.
• Adventures for young and old explorers: Little geologists and explorers can recover fossils and other treasures at an excavation site. In addition, an interactive scavenger hunt offers a thrilling experience - a QR code takes you straight to the adventure.
• Lantern campaign: All children who visit Light the Night on the opening evening with a dinosaur lantern will be rewarded with a small thank you for their contribution to the Festival of Lights at the Stadtmonument between 5 and 7 pm. The lanterns can be made on October 16 and October 23 (12 noon to 3 p.m. each day) as part of the free fall vacation activity at the Salder Castle Municipal Museum.

The aim of "Light the Night" and all other WIS city center events is to strengthen retail and gastronomy. This year
"Light the Night" therefore extends over three days! On Friday and Saturday, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Dino World invites you to marvel, stroll and take photos. Sunday will be a big family day (from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.), and the participating stores will also be open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The WIS is also making an effort to involve local entrepreneurs. Most of the culinary offerings will be provided by local restaurateurs. Particularly original: on Friday (6 to 10 p.m.) and Saturday (3 to 6 p.m.), Petri Apotheke will be offering "late-night vaccinations" to protect against the flu epidemic amidst the glowing dinosaur backdrop.

To ensure that the invigorating effect of "Light the Night" is not just limited to the weekend of the event, the WIS city center team has come up with a few special features:

• Dinosaur egg hunt (October 20-23): Even before the start of "Light the Night", the excitement is building - each day a mysterious dinosaur egg will be hidden in the city center. Whoever finds it will secure great surprises and start their adventure before the big weekend.
• Whereabouts of the dinosaur exhibition until November 9: Although the light spectacle is limited to the weekend of the event, the dinosaurs can be admired in the city center until November 9. The interactive scavenger hunt can also be repeated.