Lighting up Blenheim Palace

England's Finest View Lights Up For Christmas

The new Christmas Trail, opening 25th November 2016 – 2nd January 2017, will light up Blenheim Palace's Formal Gardens transforming the outdoor space into a magical illuminated wonderland.

Leading the creative, integral to the story, design and implementation is Zoe Bottrell.  

She says: “I love the challenge of working in a heritage destination. Using the vast history of the Palace to influence the trail's story as well as the natural landscape which gives the sense of season.”

Blenheim Palace, with its baroque architecture, six Formal Gardens sat within 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscape has provided much cultural inspiration for the Creative Designer.

The magical trail will wind through the landscape, highlighting Blenheim Palace's rich history all with the magical and wonder of the festive season.

The trail will lead from section to section telling little stories and encouraging visitors to interact with the seasonal themes.

She continues, “I have taken symbols and motifs from the Palace, like the golden balls which sit upon the top of the building and have used them to weave the history of place into a contemporary Christmas Trail.”

Working in a historical landscape creates its own challenges. From the vast amount of infrastructure, to getting hundreds of visitors into gardens whilst keeping them pristine in the midst of winter. It is Zoe's job to protect the landscape making it a long careful and exacting process of design.

A mix of formal gardens, open parkland and the Great Lake. The incredible variety of canvasses in which to present the work has enabled Zoe to present an artist led trail.

The trail has been specially designed for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The Great Outdoors made magical.

• Tickets are on general sale
• For bookings and information see: www.blenheimpalace.com/christmas

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07815 709548

Notes to Editors

Christmas at Blenheim admission

Adults £16 (on the day £18) | Children £10 (on the day £12) | Family tickets £48 (2 adults and 2 children 5 – 16) (on the day £55) | Under 5s go free.

Opens at 5pm - on the dates below

25 – 27 November

1 – 4 December

7 – 11 December

14 – 23 December

26 December –2 January

About Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This masterpiece of 18th-century Baroque architecture boasts over 300 years of history and is a World Heritage Site, surrounded by more than 2000 acres of 'Capability Brown' landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens.

Not only an iconic part of history, Blenheim Palace is a living and changing experience with a wealth of events, themed tours and exhibitions throughout the year. blenheimpalace.com

About Raymond Gubbay Ltd

Founded in 1966 by Raymond Gubbay, Raymond Gubbay Ltd is recognised as being at the forefront of promoting and producing popular classical music, opera, ballet and events in the United Kingdom. The company now regularly presents over 500 performances each year in London, around the UK and abroad. raymondgubbay.co.uk

About Culture Creative

The design team behind this festive lighting display, which takes its inspiration from Blenheim Palace's vast landscape and history, is Culture Creative, who have previously worked with English Heritage, the National Trust, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Forestry Commission and the National Trust for Scotland.  For more information about Culture Creative please see their website culturecreative.co.uk