Magical winter trail – for children of all ages – to arrive in town for Christmas
LET there be light!
Prepare to be dazzled this Christmas when a new magical winter trail lights up the evening skies in Southport.
It is the first time Luminate Southport comes to the much-loved Victoria Park and it promises to be a twinkling treat.
Journey through the mesmerising 1.2km trail as it weaves its way around the seaside park, stand under a waterfall of light, go through lit up tunnels and spot larger than life illuminations.
Make a wish underneath the enchanted magic tree, spot the glow fairies and be wowed by a 3D light show that is set to music.
Daniel Maycock, one of the organisers of Luminate, said: “We cant wait to bring our illuminated light trail to Southport for the first time, Victoria Park is a local favourite and we are looking forward to lighting it up this festive period.
“The event is something new and different for the area and we hope most people won’t have seen anything like it before – and we can’t wait to open!”
A first for SouthportThe magical family trail is a feast for the senses and is set to ambient music. The event is entirely outdoors so it is advisable you wrap up warm as it could be cold and maybe even wet.
Prepared to be wowed as soon as you enter the park and don’t forget to upload plenty of selfies as they will be projected at the end.
While it is the first time the light trail comes to Southport, it has previously been held in the Queen’s Sandringham Estate and at Margam Park in South Wales where it was a sell-out.
Following its success, it will be taking place at a number of UK venues, including Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington.
So don’t hang around too long for tickets if you want to secure a prime-time slot. They tend to sell out quick!
Plenty of surprisesWhile it is a winter event, there will be no traditional festive decorations or a Father Christmas for the kids, but expect plenty of family fun, lots of interactive elements and breathtaking wow moments along the way. From beautiful light installations to giant disco balls, there is a surprise around every corner.
The park grounds will be festooned in colour and the trees will be drenched in jewel-like tones. The old bandstand will also be adjourned with pea lighting and you can tie your Christmas wishes on it.
Organisers say Victoria Park will give the team more artistic licence to come up with new ideas and projections.
“Victoria Park is like a blank canvas for our design team, “Daniel said.
“We plan to use all the elements and interesting parts of the park to create something magical. We have some amazing light installations planned, including water play, projections, spotlights and lots of fun interaction pieces.
“We have some big art installs, which will use the simple elegant path lines of the park and cast a beautiful sea of colours. We hope this will become a real family favourite for years to come.”
Festive food Along the route, there will be delicious independent street food vendors in festive-style wooden cabins, that will offer tasty festive delights, from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate.
You will be able to toast marshmallows under the stars at the fire pit and take in the beautiful park environment as you have never seen it before.
Luminate Southport will run nightly from Thursday, November 25, until Thursday, December 23, with slots every 15 minutes from 4.15pm to 8.30pm.
The trail will take approximately 60 -90 minutes, depending on how long you dwell along the way.
Book in advanceAll tickets must be pre-booked online in advance.
Adult tickets are £14, Monday to Wednesday, and children (3-15 years) are £11. From Thursday to Sunday and all days from December 15-December 23, adults are £16.50 and £13 for children. Two-year-olds and under go free.
Carers are also free with qualifying identification and family tickets are also available. Blue Light
Cardholders, which includes people working within the emergency services., NHS, the social care sector, and armed forces, will get 10% off.
For more information or to book tickets, visit the Luminate Southport website here.