Christmas festivities underway in Wakehurst with 'Glow Wild' trail
The lights that cover the UK's tallest Christmas tree were switched on
Final preparations are being made as Wakehurst gears up to dazzle visitors with its tenth anniversary Glow Wild trail.
The festivities started today (Wednesday 8th November) with the illumination of the UK's tallest living Christmas tree; a majestic 37-meter structure covered with 1,800 energy-saving lightbulbs.
This year's Glow Wild theme invites visitors to marvel at nature's wonders, from extraordinary wildlife moments to the intricate details of plants and fungi. The trail, stretching over a mile, features eight new bespoke installations by renowned artists and craftsmen.
Among the standout exhibits is "Planet Wakehurst" by Catherine Nelson, an expansive outdoor art installation brought to life through projections by Colour Project.
Another piece on display is a colossal illuminated whale with a 3-meter high tail, created in collaboration between OGE Group and metalwork apprentices from the Camelia Botnar Foundation. Lantern experts Same Sky have crafted a mesmerizing display of stars and thunder clouds.
Louise Burton, Producer for Glow Wild at Wakehurst Sussex, said: "I came in very early in the morning to see two enormous cranes - I think one is 57 metres and one is 175, so very high in the air - fixing our Christmas lights, and these lights go on one of our giant redwoods.
"We've got fantastic collections here at Wakehurst, and that's quite an iconic tree.
"It's right in the hub of the gardens, so it's both important for us as a tree in itself and it's also symbolic of Christmas as well.
She added: "It's just got rows and rows of, I should say, swags of this lovely amber, warm coloured lighting that acts as a bit of a beacon.
"And you can see it for miles around as well. I think even Gatwick can see it, although we haven't heard any planes land here recently."
Visitors can engage in a new interactive experience this year with Wakehurst's Starkeeper from Long Nose Puppets. Guests are encouraged to make a wish on a star and hang it in the sky forest during their journey. Additionally, the trail features Percy, the giant glowing peacock, extending a warm welcome to all attendees.
Glow Wild introduces pop-up food and drink stalls along the trail, providing convenient stopping points to admire the installations. Nearby fire pits offer a cozy spot for toasting marshmallows, and "festive grab and go" options are available beneath the Christmas tree.
Special sessions cater to different audiences, including quiet sessions held every night at 4:15pm, relaxed sessions featuring gentle performances tailored for children with special educational needs and disabilities, and adult-only slots every Friday at 8 pm.
The event can be experienced on selected evenings from Thursday, November 23, to Monday, January 1.