Trapeze shows, live music and more make for a magical time at Leonardslee
here is something so resilient about children; put on wellies and a raincoat and they seem to stop noticing the rain and the mud, but I’m not sure I can say the same for the parents and grandparents pushing buggies around Enchanted Leonardslee last weekend.
So many talented artists worked so hard to make Leonardslee live up to an enchanted forest atmosphere, to make it magical for all visitors.
As we entered, stall after stall was ready to welcome and offer opportunities to create masks, rhino horns and floral decorations, take part in the enchantment of unicorns and treats. The Enchanted Arena had a stage with an eclectic mix of gipsy jazz, folk and rock music, a trapeze show, street theatre and circus acts, funfair rides and a boutique market that offered food and drink for young and older generations.
The ‘unicorn ponies’, all white with purple or pink
Tmanes and tails, were a delight and many small people rode around the field before embarking on the woodland trail – what a wonderful, unique experience.
A chance to explore a magical trail over a mile-long walk took as long as you wished as many stops were needed en route to see the animals in the woodlands, meet the fairies, the mythical creatures and a 15-minute interactive show from the giant puppet Gnomus – the guardian of Leonardslee Woods.
Beautiful, lush greenery of the woods, flora, fauna, and dark depths of the lakes all combined to enthral with music and theatrical performance, and spectacular visual and sound installations did not disappoint. The mermaid of the lake was missing as we passed but a giant globe hung above the lakes, which was very impressive.
The old shack by the lake, the engine house, had been renovated to become a stopoff café for much-deserved refreshments and a breather while listening to the owl and the pussycat sing songs.
Several pretty fairies were around the woodlands to greet us – girls with the green of the woods echoed in their clothing, with twigs and foliage in their hair.
Dream catchers hung in the trees and giant tree men walked around greeting us all.
As we walked the trail up from the lake many an envious grandparent, a soggy dog, were seen from under their waterproofs hoping for a ride as the Leonardslee golf buggies ferried some back up the hill to the Enchanted Arena.
Glitter face paint was worn by young and old; no rain was going to wash away this fairy dust as attendees delighted at the funfair rides and the stationary white unicorn that had seen many a muddy welly clambered over it as the white shade of its coat was more of a muddy brown.
As the last few visitors started to make for the car park, there were lots of very tired youngsters leaving but with such wonderful memories, thanks to all that kept the magic alive at Leonardslee during a wet Saturday.