Nottingham Post

Deck the Hall!

FESTIVE LIGHT TRAIL PRAISED

- By KAREN ANTCLIFF & MARIE WILSON karen.antcliff@reachplc.com @Antcliffka­ren

A MILE-AND-A-QUARTER festive light trail has “mesmerised” visitors.

Dancing lights and lasers, toasting marshmallo­ws, hot chocolate... organisers of this year’s Christmas at Wollaton have certainly outdone themselves.

For the second time, the gardens surroundin­g the hall have been transforme­d into an illuminate­d woodland Christmas paradise with projection­s, lights, lasers and plenty of treats along the way.

As visitors enjoyed the sights and sounds of the multi-sensory experience in the gardens of Wollaton Hall after its usual closing time it’s easy to see the joy that this event brings.

It was one family’s first visit to the event. Richard and Eleanor Conoron, with children Ezri and Isaac, had just completed the walk when the Post spoke to them.

Richard said: “We’d read lots about it beforehand and it hasn’t disappoint­ed – it is just beautiful... the kids have really loved it. It’s been a great way to start Christmas for us.”

Eleanor said the children had been mesmerised by the hall “and the star walkway was amazing”.

The light trail combines new visual additions to the stunning illuminati­ons that wowed visitors last year.

It has been designed to fit into the natural landscape of the formal gardens of the tourist attraction.

Bill and Maggie Banks were visiting from Ilkeston. Bill said: “We came last year and it was fantastic.”

The couple were enjoying the lights and attraction­s of the outer area while waiting for their timed ticket slot. Maggie said: “This is our start of Christmas – it’s lovely.”

Organisers Kilimanjar­o say this year’s event is bigger than ever before and “offers a real festive treat”.

Councillor Eunice Campbellcl­ark, portfolio holder of leisure, culture and schools at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to be able to finally reveal why there are strange lights in the sky over Wollaton!

“We are pleased to be working with Kilimanjar­o again to deliver this popular event in the grounds of Wollaton Hall and Deer Park and we look forward to seeing lots of new visitors as well as those who were spellbound with last year’s displays”

Slots are bookable and staggered every 30 minutes. The event runs until Sunday, January 8, with prices starting from £14.30 for a child aged 3-16, and £19.80 for adults. Group and family discounts are available.

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 ?? PICTURES: TRACEY WHITEFOOT ?? Wollaton Hall and Deer Park has been transforme­d for Christmas
PICTURES: TRACEY WHITEFOOT Wollaton Hall and Deer Park has been transforme­d for Christmas

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