Longleat Festival of Lights 2016

The main purpose of going to Longleat in Nov 2016 was for the festival of lights celebrating Longleat's 50th anniversary of the safari park opening to the public.

The lights started coming on at dusk. Firstly we went to Nature's Kingdom

And the Wildlife Corner

Next was the Arctic Experience Augmented Reality. Polar bears led the way into a large hall and we all stood in a group and on the large screen in front of us it appeared as if we were standing on an ice berg. As we stood there, a polar bear, a whale, a seal and penguins appeared and interacted with us. It was quite incredible. (See more on Vimeo)

Back out into the cold to Arctic Corner -

Then to the lanterns and flowers and tree at the centre square

The tree in the house courtyard

We then headed past the pumpkins and flowers

And into the main attraction of Beatrix Potter. "this year as part of the Festival of Light you can enter her enchanting world and see it as it’s never been seen before. Walk through this timeless world with Peter Rabbit and his friends to guide you. But beware as Mr McGregor has his eyes on you as you explore his illuminated garden." [Longleat]

 

 The lake -

The anniversary cake and party characters -

 The peacocks had moving heads -

We then went to the main tree for the 'Enchanted Christmas Tree Show'. This was fascinating. "Using state-of-the-art, multimedia technology and breath-taking projections, this winter our dazzling tree will take you on an enchanting journey and tell the story of the real meaning of Christmas."
Images and scenes were projected onto the mail wall of the building and throughout the lights on the 50 ft tree were changing colours.

After this it was time to go home. It was only then that we saw the main entrance, it has "eight unique and majestic lion lanterns; commemorating our very first residents back in 1966. As you continue on your journey, you’ll be transported into the world of our animals; come face to face with intricate porcelain giraffes, stunning silk elephants and even giant gorillas."

See also Longleat house and gardens and the safari park.


© Liz Price
No reproduction without permission