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Tuesday

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019

You know it's close to Christmas time when the Glow Wild winter lantern trail begins. This year it started on 21st of November and runs to the 22nd of December on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Glow Wild is Wakehurst's night-time lantern trail through a glorious woodland setting and is a true delight whatever age you are. This year it returned for its 6th year and not only lit up the woodlands with handmade lanterns in the shapes of birds, animals and stars but also featured spectacular fire torches.

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac



This was my second year at Glow Wild so I had a good idea what to expect, although this year it was even better with more features and a soundscape, by sound and light studio Ithaca that seemed to be louder and as a result worked much better. Along route we discovered rings of fire, willow tunnels, Alice-in-Wonderland-like giant plants as well as animations while we carried our handmade lantern.

For anyone thinking of visiting the event you begin by choosing a colourful lantern to carry around the trail with you. We chose a lilac lantern and soon we were passing robins and stars along a path that led to a lake covered in a multitude of colourful floating waterlily lanterns that subtly changed colour. Further along the trail we discovered a set of badgers, a hedgehog and willow tunnels with tiny lights that gathered on the path under foot. The willow tunnels created by sculptor Tom Hare inspired my little companion to run through each one in turn before triumphantly declaring she had come first.

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac


At the smaller pond we found a lantern moon reflected in it's still surface and as we walked around the outside of it we discovered a heron lantern lit up in the distance while the soundscape provided sounds of nature such as hooting owls and animals rustling in the undergrowth.

Further on we walked through rings of fire that my little companion initially thought was bad because it was burning the trees but after I explained the trees would not be hurt, as the fire was not touching them, she was able to enjoy the experience.

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac

The walled garden at the end was the most beautiful part of the trail for me, dotted throughout the flowerbeds were sparkling giants plants that looked stunning. We turned the corner and watched the mesmerising animation that lit up the house with trees growing at speed, sending out its branches and roots before disappearing.

The finale was the Great tree draped with Christmas lights, underneath which were fire pits for toasting oversized marshmallows and stalls selling mulled wine, hot chocolate and treats. The marshmallows on offer were not your ordinary everyday sort of marshmallows, there were flavours like blueberry, coconut and raspberry and the hot chocolates that came were topped with a sweet cream and tasted immense. Truly fabulous.

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac

The hard part came when we had to hand back our lilac-lit lantern. Luckily this process was made easier once we discovered we could take home our very own mini lantern for £4. Inside the Great House tables had been set up with pens and pritt sticks at hand to turn mini lanterns into dormice, complete with whiskers and tails. A lady came around to check if we needed any help and thought my little companion's lantern was the best she had seen, which pleased her no end.

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac


Thanks to Wakehurst for inviting us to join them to find some autumn colour, we received free entry and vouchers for refreshments but have not been paid for this post.

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2019, photos by modernbricabrac

Find Wakehurst on Facebook @wakehurst.kew 
Instagram @wakehurst_botanic_garden
www.kew.org/wakehurst

For more details just visit kew.org/glowwild

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