FIRST LOOK: Christmas at Belton 2024 magical after-dark trail is best yet
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
And oh what fun it is to report this is the brightest and best yet - as our exclusive first look video shows, writes Graham Walker.
it is now open on selected nights at the National Trust’s Belton House, in Lincolnshire, until 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.
With more than a million lights and and a soundscape of seasonal classics, turning the majestic grounds into a winter wonderland, this is more than a night out - It’s about making unforgettable memories with loved ones.
A spellbinding showstopper this year is Floating Candles, which brings the magic of Hogwarts.
It features a jaw-dropping display of dozens of flickering candles, appearing to float overhead along a tree lined section of the dazzling mile-long route.
But the magic doesn’t end there with lots off new of tricks and returning favourites.
First photo stop is a huge Belton Letters sign to greet visitors in front of the stunningly lit Orangery in the always spectacular Italian Garden.
Take a stroll to the rear of the building, for the gentle crackle of a new mesmerising Fire Garden, this time in a secluded walled area.
Light Lines has 200 radiant batons lighting up the main garden, in front of Belton House itself, which becomes the huge screen for a projected new Christmas Show festive animation .
Supernova, a towering, polished, stainless steel star, inspired by the mythical Star of the East, looks like a spaceship has landed.
Meadow of Light twinkles with thousands of fibre optic blades of light that move in waves across the ground.
Triangulate is a new 42m long prism tunnel, of 19 LED triangles, providing a stunning sound and light experience, while Feast of Light is another walkthrough, using thousands of individual points of suspended colour-changing lights to thrill your senses.
A new Laser Garden reflects beams over the Boathouse Pond.
Christmas Cathedral is back, popular for Instagram moments and proposals, an arched church window shaped tunnel of tens of thousands of LEDs.
For a touch of romance, also pause at the Shooting Stars or steal a kiss beneath the mistletoe on the giant bench nearby.
And no trail would be complete without a glimpse of Father Christmas, who says jolly big hello to all visitors along the route.
The breathtaking journey ends in the courtyard, with festive treats, music, and fairground fun.
Christmas at Belton is an unforgettable experience created by Culture Creative and brought by Sony Music Limited/ Raymond Gubbay Live in partnership with the National Trust.
There’s an emphasis on sustainability and ecological considerations, ensuring the venues are protected for future generation by using low energy LED lighting and working to minimise the impact on wildlife, explained Zoe Bottrell, founder and Managing Director of Culture Creative,
Ian Cooper, General Manager for Belton House, echoed her comments and said of the trail: "As always, the team here have pulled it out the bag. It looks fantastic.
“We've got new installations and returning favourites around the historic gardens It's bigger and better every year. It's fantastic.
"The new fire garden looks absolutely incredible. It's just magical to walk in. And it's very serene and calming, just hearing that popping of the fire as you walk around. It's a beautiful start to the trail.
"The Floating candles look incredible. So does Meadow of light, with hundreds and hundreds of lights swaying to music, like a big, open meadow,is incredible.Supernova, a massive, lit star you can see from quite a distance away and as you get closer, you can really appreciate the beauty of it.
"I personally love all the laser lights and this year it's a laser show on the lake, which is absolutely phenomenal."
We change the installations every year, and because we make it bigger and better, visitors return. it's a family tradition now.
‘The mansion is stunning for Christmas. Come down, it all looks absolutely amazing."
Details of the new after-dark trail were outlined by creative director Zoe Bottrell in a podcast chat with Graham Walker.
LISTEN: Hear the podcast -CLICK HERE.
READ MORE: LISTEN: Christmas at Belton 2024 magical after dark trail details revealed in exclusive podcast and report.
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.
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