Christmas may still be a little way off, but Longleat has given us an early gift – a first glimpse of this year’s Festival of Light. And if you thought the event couldn’t get any more magical, think again.
This winter, the Wiltshire estate will be filled with the unmistakable charm of Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Morph and that sly character Feathers McGraw, all reimagined as illuminated lanterns in a spectacular celebration of British icons.
The new trail, which covers an impressive 2.5km, will guide visitors through an illuminated journey around the country. Expect familiar landmarks such as Stonehenge, the Giant’s Causeway and Blackpool, alongside quintessential British images like red phone boxes, Buckingham Palace gates, and even the great debate of how best to serve a scone.
Scott Ashman, Head of Operations at Longleat, said preparations are “well underway” and that bringing these much-loved characters to life has been a real joy. “Seeing Aardman’s classic stories alongside famous British locations and legends has been fascinating,” he explained. “We can’t wait for guests to enjoy these incredible scenes.”
The trail doesn’t stop at landmarks. Fans will also step into Aardman’s own worlds – from Mossy Bottom Farm to West Wallaby Street – with plenty of surprises woven in along the way.
Molly Van Den Brink, Senior Attractions & Live Experiences Manager at Aardman, added: “Working with Longleat to interpret our characters in lantern form has been inspiring. The attention to detail mirrors Aardman’s own passion, and we can’t wait for fans to see them brought to life this Christmas.”
Of course, no Festival of Light would be complete without its much-loved traditions. The Santa Train will be steaming back into service and the singing Christmas Tree is ready to return, making the whole experience feel every bit as festive as ever.
The Festival of Light runs on selected dates between 8 November and 11 January 2026. Tickets are already on sale at longleat.co.uk – and given the excitement around these first-look images, it might be wise to book sooner rather than later.
