ILLUMINATIONS
IN BLOOM The Botanic Garden is bathed in colourful lights for an otherworldly experience
The city’s official Christmas lights Big Switch On will be held at Market Square on 17 November. As a media partner, Star Radio will host the event from 12pm, with local dance troupes and choirs performing against the backdrop of the Guildhall, lit up by colourful projections. Star Radio will also be hosting the CB1 switch-on outside Cambridge station on 14 November, where DJs Josh Lovatt from Star Drivetime and Dan Mills from Star Breakfast are set to host a Christmas party featuring music and a choir. Relatively new to the city’s Christmas calendar are the Botanic Lights around Cambridge University Botanic Garden, now in their second year. Book a timed slot online for selected dates between 29 November and 21 December. The lights certainly bring the garden to life, with spectacular displays and artistic installations that highlight garden features such as the fountain, lake and glasshouses, many of them set to music. “Installations create a beautiful landscape in the garden after dark,” describes director Beverley Glover. “It’s such a magical experience, perfect for a night out with family, friends or colleagues. We’re thrilled the Botanic Garden has become a part of Cambridge’s winter calendar.” This year will feature new installations as well as the return of last year’s most popular pieces, such as the light tunnel and glowing water lilies on the lake – the perfect backdrop for seasonal selfies. The cafe and food stalls en route will be open for snacks and hot drinks. While most of us are mourning the loss of Anglesey Abbey’s popular Winter Lights event from the Cambridge calendar, Wimpole Estate will be stepping up its own Christmas offering, now in its fourth year. From 22 November to 1 January 2025, the Sony Music Christmas Illuminations trail will wind around the parkland, where you can discover neon trees and larger-than-life illuminated flowers. Long, walk-through glow tunnels will immerse you in all the colours of the rainbow during this night walk. “We are always exploring different trail designs that both complement and enhance the beautiful surroundings at Wimpole,” says Matthew Findlay, head of UK trails for Sony Music. “We want to create a precious experience for all the family. Our plans for 2024 will deliver an unforgettable evening.”
• Fireworks at Midsummer Common Tuesday 5 November from 7pm • Christmas lights Big Switch On, Market Square Sunday 17 November. Entertainment from 12pm, switch-on at 5pm • Christmas light switch-on at Cambridge station, near the Clayton Hotel Thursday 14 November from 4.30pm • Wimpole Estate, Arrington 22 November to 1 January 2025 from 4.30pm to 8pm • Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside Selected days between 29 November and 21 December, from 5pm to 8pm Where & when?
This is a magical experience which is perfect for a night out with family, friends or colleagues
12 NOVEMBER 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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