Thousands flock to Enchanted Garden Light Trail in Swindon
The Old Town event is running throughout December
Last updated 22nd Dec 2022
Thousands of people from across the West Country have flocked to Swindon in recent weeks, to enjoy a special festive event.
The Enchanted Garden Light Trail, in Old Town, features interactive illuminations, art sculptures and Christmas music. Lanterns, designed by local schoolchildren, are also used to decorate the walkway.
In addition, visitors have been taking their pick from a range of food and drink options, with festive refreshments such as mulled wine and currywurst proving particularly popular!
The Town Gardens spectacular had plenty to live up to, following the success of last year's inaugural event. Nevertheless, Trail organisers South Swindon Parish Council have hailed the second attempt, which followed 10 months of preparations.
More than 15,000 people have attended so far, with another 10,000 expected by the end of December.
'It's really quite spectacular'
Neil Hopkins, the Council's Chair of Leisure, Environment and Amenities has spoken to Greatest Hits Radio.
"We try and make this an event that people really enjoy and (one) they want to come back to ... you've constantly got to move it forward. You can't do the same as last year and expect people to enjoy it.
"I see Town Gardens as being a series of rooms, so you're not having to walk miles from the car park, before you even get on the Trail. The fact that it is quite compact is really helpful to people, particularly if you've got kids or you've got a relative with mobility problems.
"There's so much tree cover in this park and so many beautiful trees and plants that we can light-up. It's really quite spectacular," he said.
Bosses are continuing to welcome guests to the 1.5km Trail until December 31st. It's open everyday except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.