Morph comes to Longleat

Iconic children’s character Morph has been exploring Longleat in the run-up to this year’s The Festival of Light showcase.

Morph, first created in 1977 by Peter Lord, hit stardom via legendary television programme Take Hart and has featured in many forms of media over the last five decades.

His latest appearance was with Peter Lord who brought him to the Estate to mark two months until Christmas Day.

Morph can be seen in front of Longleat House, excitedly presenting the Elizabethan Stately home, helping paint lanterns and feeding the meerkats.

Scott Ashman, Head of Operations, said “It has been fantastic to welcome Morph and Peter Lord to Longleat. To be able to show them the progress being made and the lanterns that have already come to life has been a real privilege. Bringing these household favourite characters in a new medium has been such an opportunity, and to have Peter, one of the founders of Aardman, there to see the process has been fantastic.

“This year’s The Festival of Light theme is British Icons with Wallace & Gromit and Friends, bringing a variety of classic Aardman characters to life in lantern form, alongside some of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, native wildlife and sights.

“With two months to go until Christmas Day and just under two weeks until the launch of this year’s event, the festive season is quickly approaching, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to experience to magic and sheer scale of the event with us.”

Peter Lord, co-founder of Aardman, said “Seeing all the lanterns has been incredibly impressive. They are beautifully done with superb artistry. It’s slightly like a walk down memory lane for me, seeing the history of Aardman and how it’s come together with such amazing flair has made me so proud.”

The Festival of Light begins on 8 November, on selected dates until 11 January 2026. Longleat Members can attend an exclusive preview evening on Friday 7 November.