Theme for Longleat Festival of Light 2025 revealed

Wallace & Gromit will feature as part of British Icons

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 25th Apr 2025

We might be seven months away from the festive season in 2025, but the countdown is already on to this year's Festival of Lights at Longleat.

The Wiltshire safari park has revealed the theme for the latest lanterns - British Icons, featuring Wallace & Gromit!

Other Aardman characters like Shaun the Sheep, Feathers McGraw and Morph will also be part of the displays from November to January, spanning the Christmas season.

The Festival of Light attracts thousands to the Wiltshire park each Christmas

Scott Ashman, Head of Operations at Longleat, said: “We are delighted to be working with Aardman for The Festival of Light 2025 – and we are confident, as Wallace would say to Gromit, that it will be “A grand day out”. And of course, cheese will play a part too!

“As well as guests being able to see these celebrated characters in lantern form, visitors will be able to explore some of Britain’s iconic landmarks on the 2.5 km route.

“Visit a breathtaking 15m tall Tower Bridge and China Town in London, travel through Stonehenge, head to Blackpool to enjoy traditional seaside attractions, marvel at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, the Welsh Dragon, the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland and so much more.

“We will also be marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth as we focus on writers and celebrating iconic singers from through the decades as well as other surprises along the way."

British Icons will be the theme for this year's event at Longleat

Merlin Crossingham, Wallace & Gromit Creative Director, said: “Following an incredible year for Aardman – with the much-anticipated return of Wallace, Gromit and Feathers McGraw in Vengeance Most Fowl – we're thrilled to be bringing many of our beloved characters together in an exciting new way.

“Teaming up with iconic attraction Longleat for its hugely popular event, The Festival of Light, this festive season is a wonderful opportunity, and we can’t wait to see how our worlds and characters will come to life in lantern form for the very first time,” he added.

Some familiar activities will remain part of the Festival of Light this year - like the Enchanted Christmas Tree and the Santa Train

Traditional favourites like the Santa Train and singing Christmas Tree will return between 8th November 2025 to 11th January 2026.

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