Transforming Blenheim's Landscape for Christmas

England's Finest View Lights Up For Christmas

Discover the finest view in England aglow once more from 24 November 2017 – 1 January 2018. For the second year running Blenheim Palace's 2000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscape and Formal Gardens will be transformed into an illuminated wonderland.

Zoe Bottrell, Director Culture Creative says: “I'm excited to return to Blenheim Palace and begin to transform the UNESCO World Heritage Site landscape. Having experienced the creative challenge of lighting the Parkland for the first time in 2016 I am excited to push the boundaries further with bigger and bolder installations, music and illuminations.”

The magical trail will wind through the landscape, highlighting Blenheim Palace's rich history, all with the magic and wonder of the festive season. New and returning visitors can expect to see the trail take a different path, allowing them to discover and interact with the festive scenes and seasonal experiences in a new way.

The trail once more winds along the Great Lake, which will have four different scenes of floating brilliance including 300 illuminating boats crossing from side to side. 

The iconic lake will also feature a giant Ducal crown, based on the Duke of Marlborough's own formal crown. The magnificently lit crown will tower above the audience with a 20m fountain erupting from its centre.

Once more the rushing Cascades will be transformed into a festive wonder, this time the giant waterfall will be covered in flames!

Enchanting for all, the creative take on Santa's toy workshop will see the Palace's lakeside Boathouse become a hive of activity. A small pause along the path with allow visitors to hear the sounds of elves busying away making toys for Santa to deliver on his sleigh on Christmas Eve.

Taking into account the vast amount of infrastructure as well as getting hundreds of visitors into gardens whilst keeping them pristine in the midst of winter, adds to the zeal of making this a must-visit festive activity. 

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.

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