LISTEN: Christmas at Belton 2024 magical after dark trail details revealed in exclusive podcast and report

Exclusive details of the new after-dark trail are outlined today by creative director Zoe Bottrell in a podcast chat with Graham Walker.

LISTEN: Hear the podcast -CLICK HERE.

The immersive lights and sounds experience will again turn the beautiful grounds of the National Trust’s Belton House, in Lincolnshire, into a winter wonderland, from Friday, November 22, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025,

BUY TICKETS: Tickets are for timed entries and visitors are urged to book early, especially to guarantee popular early evening and weekend slots, sell fast. All tickets are now on sale for this year’s spectacular seasonal trail - visit bit.ly/christmasatbeltonickets2024.

Zoe outlines how Installations, designed by a range of international and UK-based artists, will portray the forest in a majestic light, beneath unique canopies drenched in seasonal colour and inspired by the landscape to create a festive adventure for all the family.

The historic estate will once again become a breathtaking attraction of festive lights, sounds, smells and more, with both beloved favourites and stand out new additions, creating a magical experience for all.

"I've always called our trails an attack on all of your senses. It's a bit of a corny phrase, but you'll see the place in a whole new light," says Zoe, founder and Managing Director of Culture Creative, who create the Christmas at Belton trail brought by brought by Sony Music Limited/ Raymond Gubbay Live in partnership with the National Trust.

In the podcast she reveals how visitors will again access the trail via a door, like the magical portal to Narnia in the Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, opening on the venue's beautifully illuminated iconic Italian Garden, which will lead to a secluded Walled Garden at the rear of the Orangery and a mesmerising new Fire Garden with flickering flames and intricate fire-lit arrangements will offer a contemplative, peaceful retreat on the route.

As visitors head back into the main garden they will encounter one of the many wondrous new features - an array of 200 illuminated batons, forming a dynamic, two-part installation, creating a shimmering light show on both sides of the garden, filling the night with colour.

In between there will be a fantastic projection onto the back of Belton House in the courtyard style,where the building wraps around the garden at that particular point, Adding an extra layer of grandeur, this visual masterpiece is set to take center stage.

Guests will then encounter Supernova - a huge, five-meter high shimmering silver star installation. This shimmering star stands tall, casting silvery light throughout the surroundings and creating an awe-inspiring sight for visitors as they stroll through.

As you then head into the more woodland part of the garden, the  formal landscape changes into a more natural environment , where candles float above your head and turn into big Edison light bulbs that change colour, as you head towards the serene Boathouse Pond. Here, look out for Father Chrstmas to say hello.

The trail will be enhanced with even more new highlights, including a spectacular laser show projected to reflect across the pond and nearby trees, transforming the entire area into a vibrant play of colors and movement.

Heading back towards the house and trees will dazzle with arches that form the pathways to another show stopping moment, the Meadow  of Light, a field of 10,000 twinkling fibre optic blades of light, swaying like grasses in the night.

Head off through some shooting stars, stop for a Christmas kiss under the mistletoe on the huge bench then take a stroll through a number of installations where arches and immersive lights will wrap around you in the Feast of Light, a walkthrough experience using thousands of individual points of suspended light to create feelings of presence and movement within physical space.

Then step into Triangulate, a light prism tunnel of 19 LED triangles spanning 42m in length and providing visitors with an incredible immersive sound and light experience.

The trail’s final stretch will lead guests back to the bustling courtyard, filled with delicious food, music and  fairground attractions - creating the perfect festive atmosphere to wrap up an enchanting night.

In the podcast Zoe gives top tips on how to get the most out of a visit, from wrapping up warm and wearing waterproofs, to taking time to fully experience the immersive displays.

She also reminded visitors to book tickets early, to secure preferred time slots, especially for those with children or wanting to avoid busy times.

Culture Creative are a UK-based production company that creates My Christmas Trails, immersive outdoor after dark light trails using internationally renowned artists.They have 27 winter themed shows worldwide, now including Europe, and America, Australia and Saudi Arabia,Each trail features unique installations, such as fire gardens, laser shows, and immersive soundtracks with an emphasis on the  importance of sustainability and protecting the venues.

Zoe  says the focus is on creating experiences in landscapes rather than just traditional Christmas lights, with specific lighting to showcase the unique landscape of each venue.She describes three layers of their installations - celebrating the venue's unique features, touring international artworks and adding a Christmas layer.New for this year, Culture Creative have also just delivered Halloween themed UK events which look set to be rolled out in more locations in 2025.

But now it's all systems go to build of its My Christmas Trails - for full details of UK sites visit www.mychristmastrails.co.uk.

"Like Christmas cards, turkey and crackers, our trails have become a Christmas tradition with many people returning year after year," said Zoe.

"These are not like Christmas lights in shopping centres. We pride ourselves in creating experiences on National Trust properties, in botanical gardens, forests and pinetums, celebrating each venue's unique landscape, from its tallest and biggest trees, to waterfalls, bridges, houses or other parts of the infrastructure.

"There will be  Christmas trees and you'll probably see Father Christmas - lots of things like that. But we have installations created by international artists, with something for all the family to enjoy.

"We have things to see, smell, hear and, in some cases, touch. We want you to experience the venue that you're in, not just stand there to watch some lights. The audio we program is equally as important, from Christmas hits to special pieces of music which are just completely the right thing in the right place - the grandeur of cinematic audio."

She also emphasised the importance of sustainability and ecological considerations, ensuring the venues are protected for future generation and added: “We use LED lighting and work to minimise the impact on wildlife.

"My team are going to hate me for saying this, but a phrase I often use is that all we should leave behind is footprints and memories.”

Christmas at Belton is brought by Sony Music Limited/ Raymond Gubbay Live in partnership with the National Trust.  The trail is created by Culture Creative.

Firmly positioned within the UK’s seasonal calendar, Christmas at Belton 2024 promises an unforgettable time with friends and family, providing a special way to celebrate the festive season with an unmissable outdoor experience.

What: Christmas at Belton - The after-dark illuminated trail through festive gardens

When: From 22 November to 1 January. Open from 4.30pm, last entry  8pm and closes at 10pm. 

Why Visit: Discover a Christmas illuminated trail for all the family set within the beautiful landscape of Belton House.

Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised. Off-peak: Adult £15, Child £10, Family £47 (2 adults & 2 children). Standard: Adult £22.50, Child £16, Family £74. Peak: Adult £24, Child £18, Family £81. Free entry for carers and children aged 2 & under. Parking £8 per car. Free for National Trust members when booked in advance.

Tickets: bit.ly/christmasatbeltonickets2024.Address: Belton House, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 2LW

Cared for by the National Trust, Belton House is within the top 100 most visited attractions in the country. Built for Sir John Brownlow in the 1680s, it sits in a 1300-acre deer park and has all the design features of a classic English country home.

The estate also includes a café, indoor play area, gift and second-hand book shops, and Lincolnshire’s largest outdoor adventure playground.

LINKS:

Tickets for Christmas At Belton 2024 visit bit.ly/christmasatbeltonickets2024.

Belton House website: nationaltrust.org.uk/beltonhouse

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BeltonHouseNT

X: @BeltonHouseNT