The Festival of Light at Longleat

DATE

October 18, 2024

Journey through a vibrant colourful display of lanterns, twinkling lights and the singing Christmas tree

Dinosaurs and mammoths are not the first things that spring to mind when you think of seasonal illuminations but that’s exactly what you can expect at Longleat.

A video preview of the spectacular lanterns and more on show at The Festival of Light this winter has been released by the Wiltshire estate.

The scale and majesty of the event, which is celebrating its 10th year, can be seen in the video which shows a Roman chariot, mammoth, dinosaurs and an Egyptian pyramid as well as a boat from the Shang dynasty.

But the highlight will see Longleat House transformed as part of an immersive video display into a vibrant colourful story, says Head of Operations Scott Ashman.

Guests are invited to ‘journey through time’ from the age of the dinosaur through to present day with an appearance too by Elizabeth I who visited Longleat 450 years ago.

The display which opens on 9th November and runs until 5th January features more than 1,000 lanterns which are created using 40,000 metres of fabric, 45,000 lightbulbs, 50,000 metres of light strips and 150 tons of metal.

Scott said: “These are all weaved together to create displays to take your breath away.

“One of the highlights will be the Longleat House Light Show. This year we are marking the 75th anniversary of the House opening with an immersive projection showcasing our story from when the estate was first bought through to opening the first Safari Park outside of Africa.

“Longleat House will be transformed into a vibrant colourful display.

“We also have our famous singing Christmas Tree which towers over the estate at over 15 metres tall with more than 88,000 twinkling lights and our popular Santa Train where Father Christmas can be discovered in his snow-covered winter wonderland.

“All of this is in addition to our winter drive-through safari, Animal Adventure and more.”

Tickets are on sale now at Longleat


Latest posts

Share

RELATED STORIES

MORE STORIES

thumbnail

The ultimate guide to South East summer festivals 2026

Liz Nicholls invites you to get stuck into our festivals guide, packed with local highlights, powered by people power for real feel-good vibes.

READ MORE
thumbnail

Step back in time at The Hart Classics Transport Show

Gear up for a classic day out at The Hart Classics Transport Show, a classic car and motorcycle show run entirely by volunteers, on Sunday 21 June 2026.

READ MORE
thumbnail

Where you can see premier classical music in Buckinghamshire

The Jordans Music Club team invite you to enjoy globally acclaimed musicians close to home between 31 May & 12 July 2026.

thumbnail

East Meon Flower Festival is back in all its blooming glory

Don’t miss your chance to see beautiful blooms and flourishing florets at East Meon Flower Festival, when it returns this May 2026.

thumbnail

Great Pottery Throw Down star to host exhibition in Guildford

Fired Legacies: The Ceramic World of Rich Miller explores British colonial history at Watts Gallery until Sunday 28 June 2026.