Christmas at Wollaton is set to return to Nottingham like never before this year, with a plethora of new attractions and interactive elements announced
And the fresh look is all thanks to a brand-new design partnership, bringing innovative ideas and state-of-the-art illuminations to the beautiful grounds of Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
This year’s design team has been headed up by internationally renowned and award-winning Creative Director Katherine Jewkes alongside light art pioneers, Luminism.
Together, they have created an exciting immersive experience guaranteed to thrill the senses and entertain the masses
The annual event has been running since 2020 and is a trail of festive-themed light installations set within the grounds of Wollaton Hall.
Eden PR sat down with Katherine to talk all things Christmas at Wollaton, what visitors can expect, and what makes the site and event so special:
Katherine said:
“We’ve got a new design company this year, so we’ve had a really fresh set of eyes on the site, all while keeping in mind the love people have for Christmas at Wollaton.”
Katherine, who was also formerly the Creative Co-Director of Gloucester Bright Night, has more than 15 years of experience bringing fantastical ideas to life.
Having designed experiences for clients including Twitter, the BBC and the Royal Shakespeare Company, she has now taken on Nottinghamshire’s only lights show and her first event at Wollaton Hall.
Katherine explained that she, along with the team, spent time walking around the grounds of Wollaton in the early evening to get a feel of what the venue would be like when thousands descend on the site over the festive season.
Using her sketchpad, she starts to envisage how the trail could come together.
Speaking on what makes the site unique Katherine said:
“The deer at Wollaton Park are an integral part of what makes the venue special and keeps it popular all year round.
“The layout is just perfect for light illuminations, there’s so many textured areas in the garden. For example, there’s woodland and planted garden areas, but the house itself is also magical and a beautiful template for what we have planned.
“Being from Leicestershire myself, I remember going to Wollaton Hall as a child, which has made this a particularly lovely venue to work on.”
At this year’s attraction-packed event, visitors can expect to see new additions including the Jingle Bauble – a giant illuminated bauble signalling entryway into the festive adventure and the field of flames – a mesmerising collection of hundreds of imitation flames scattered through the grounds.
Interactive elements are also a fresh aspect of Christmas at Wollaton this year. Visitors can try out the Light Launchers, which involve pressing down on pads to launch your own laser beams.
Katherine added:
“I’m particularly excited to see the interactive elements come to life and see how audiences behave with them.
“But the whole experience from start to finish will be a really magical experience.”
This year’s event will run from December 1 to January 1, 2024. Tickets are selling fast, with a number of peak December slots already sold out.
Tickets can be purchased on the Christmas at Wollaton website.
Adults can attend from *£19.25 and *£12.75 for children. Alternatively, family tickets can be purchased for £54.00 and £18.00* for an adult group ticket (groups of 15+), excluding a booking fee.
For more information, visit www.christmasatwollaton.org
Twitter and Instagram @wollatonlights
Facebook @wollatonhall
Posted on 07 November 2023
