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

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A SPECTACULAR water fountain and an immersive new fire garden are amongst amazing showstoppers revealed today coming to this year's magical Christmas At Bedgebury 2024.

Exclusive details of the after-dark trail heading to Bedgebury National Pinetum - Friday, November 15, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - are outlined by creative director Zoe Bottrell in a podcast chat with Graham Walker.

BUY TICKETS: Limited capacity, with timed entries, will see popular weekend and early evening slots sell fast so visitors are urged to buy now to avoid disappointment – CLICK HERE.

LISTEN: To hear Zoe's full chat - CLICK HERE

Culture Creative Managing Director Zoe BottrellCulture Creative Managing Director Zoe Bottrell
Culture Creative Managing Director Zoe Bottrell

"We have installations created by international artists, with something for all the family to enjoy. It's a bit of a corny phrase, but you'll see the place in a whole new light," promises Zoe, founder and Managing Director of Culture Creative, who create the My Christmas Trails for Sony Music in partnership with Forestry England

"I've always called our trails an attack on all of your senses.

"What's lovely about Bedgebury is that we have the ability to be able to celebrate not only the formal Pinetum, which is one of the country's grandest collection of pine trees, but also we get to take you into the forest, which is a little bit more of an exploration, a little bit more taking you into the wild.”

The trail begins with the grand redwoods, magnificently lit to highlight their towering beauty, enhanced by an awe-inspiring tree show that immerses visitors in the magic of these ancient trees.

Dazzling photo opportunities and ‘wow’ momentsDazzling photo opportunities and ‘wow’ moments
Dazzling photo opportunities and ‘wow’ moments | Raymond Gubbay/ Phil Wilkinson

The Laser Garden dazzles with beams of colour slicing through the forest, heading past Nova, a large-scale sculptural piece based on the Star of the East and along a vibrant gobo carpet—a floral motif projected along the path, lending an enchanted touch to each step.

A new highlight awaits at the Reflection Pond, where a stunning water fountain show casts shimmering patterns across the surface, capturing hearts with its elegance.Further on, the Fire Garden transforms Marshalls Lake into a realm of dancing flames that then float miraculously across the water.

Light a Wish, by OGE Design Group, which visualises dandelion seeds floating through the air.Light a Wish, by OGE Design Group, which visualises dandelion seeds floating through the air.
Light a Wish, by OGE Design Group, which visualises dandelion seeds floating through the air. | Raymond Gubbay

For a nostalgic twist, the Neon Gallopers carousel glows in modern hues, reimagining classic carousel horses as an illuminated spectacle.

Visitors will encounter Light a Wish, an installation of two-meter-tall dandelion seeds floating through the air, sparking dreams for the future.

A round of robins lead to Mycelium Network, by Stevie Thompson, a mesmerising display of hundreds of glowing, colour-changing mushrooms.

Mycelium Network is  mesmerising display of hundreds of glowing, colour-changing mushrooms - one of the many showstoppers at Christmas at Bedgebury 2024Mycelium Network is  mesmerising display of hundreds of glowing, colour-changing mushrooms - one of the many showstoppers at Christmas at Bedgebury 2024
Mycelium Network is mesmerising display of hundreds of glowing, colour-changing mushrooms - one of the many showstoppers at Christmas at Bedgebury 2024 | Raymond Gubbay Live

As the trail continues, it reaches the grand finale with sparkling giant snowflakes, the soaring arches of the Winter Cathedral, and, deep within the forest, a mysterious Christmas tree, waiting to reveal its festive secrets to those who approach.

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.

Bedgebury National Pinetum will again be transformed into into a sparkling, festive wonderland.Bedgebury National Pinetum will again be transformed into into a sparkling, festive wonderland.
Bedgebury National Pinetum will again be transformed into into a sparkling, festive wonderland. | Raymond Gubbay/ Phil Wilkinson

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.

Raymond Gubbay LiveRaymond Gubbay Live
Raymond Gubbay Live | Book now for Christmas At Bedgebury 2024

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.

A magical after-dark trail with new lights for 2024A magical after-dark trail with new lights for 2024
A magical after-dark trail with new lights for 2024 | Raymond Gubbay

"I have the ability to focus your attention where I want you to see it. If we light it up, you will absolutely focus your attention there. If we don't, and it's dark, it kind of disappears into the background. So some things that are always there during the day, we can really bring to life at night by making other things disappear. And that's quite, an interesting superpower we have.

"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 generations

“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.”

The Grade II listed landscape, often considered one of England's best-kept secrets, will again provide the perfect backdrop for Christmas At Bedgebury - an enchanting mile-long immersive experience, selected nights from Friday, November 15, 2024, to Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

BUY TICKETS: Limited capacity, with timed entries, will see popular weekend and early evening slots sell fast so visitors are urged to buy now to avoid disappointment – CLICK HERE.

Installations designed by a range of international and UK-based artists 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.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What: Christmas at Bedgebury - The after-dark illuminated winter woodland walk

Address: Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Goudhurst, Kent. TN17 2SJ

When: Fri 15 Nov – Sun 17 Nov; Fri 22 Nov – Sun 24 Nov; Thu 28 Nov – Sun 1 Dec; Wed 4 Dec – Sun 8 Dec; Tue 10 Dec – Tue 24 Dec; Thu 26 Dec – Wed 1 Jan

Admission: Limited capacity with timed entry, early booking advised

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