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From the moment I arrived at the Lost Gardens of Heligan, I sensed I was about to experience something truly magical, writes Janice Rose of CHAOS Radio. Children giggled with glee at the novelty of being out after dark, while adults reminisced about their favourite displays from previous years.
The entrance was resplendent, adorned with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, while carols wafted gently through the air. I had the pleasure of meeting Laura Chesterfield, Managing Director of the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
“The Night Garden is exactly as it sounds,” Laura explained. “It’s about celebrating the flora, fauna, and intricate details of Heligan in an utterly magical way. At night, you see different shadows and silhouettes. It’s just very special – really enchanting.”
She elaborated: “We’ve commissioned lanterns inspired by Heligan’s residents – foxes, badgers, spiders, and glow worms. There’s also immersive lighting art to highlight the invisible world underground, overground, and among the trees.”
Her excitement was contagious, as she added: “It’s a celebration of winter, a season that’s beautiful in its own right.”
Then, it was time to venture into the Night Garden. For both my colleague and me, this was our first experience of Heligan after dark, and it didn’t disappoint.
The pathways were well-marked, with friendly marshals at key points ensuring even someone as directionally challenged as me couldn’t get lost!
Around every corner, a new illuminated wonder awaited – lanterns shaped like Heligan animals: deer, badgers, frogs, pigs, and an extraordinary arrangement of beavers in front of a crescent moon.
The twinkling projections of multicoloured lights across a glade of trees were mesmerising. An immersive light and soundscape gave the impression of glowing tree roots. Choreographed to enchanting music, it transported me entirely. I found myself wishing for a treehouse right there to soak it all in – maybe next year!
As we strolled through the walled garden, the faint strains of carols floated towards us. Then, we saw it – the snow machine. Carols and snow! My inner child couldn’t contain herself as I twirled with delight under the flurries. Needless to say, I was the only adult doing so!
Laura had said: “It makes you feel like a child the first time you go round, and hopefully, it evokes that for people every year.”
She was right – it was captivating. Everywhere I turned, people smiled and gasped in awe. The Night Garden felt like a piece of heaven on earth, a walking meditation that immersed you completely in the present moment. For a while, I forgot work and to-do lists, simply revelling in the beauty around me.
To quote Laura again: “It’s about togetherness, everyone coming and having a lovely time, and making some really good memories.” That’s exactly what the Night Garden achieves.
If you experience one thing this festive season, make it the Heligan Night Garden. It’s breathtaking, mesmerising, and utterly enchanting – you’ll love it as much as I did!
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