The Festival of Light 2024 declared open

Ceawlin and Emma Thynn, Marquess and Marchioness of Bath, led thousands of people through a countdown at the Wiltshire estate as over 1000 lanterns lit up.

Lord Bath said: “This year is a celebration of our 10th anniversary of this incredible event which takes our guests on a Journey through time as they wander through 16 different eras of the earth’s evolution for this festive showcase.

“When we first held The Festival of Light in 2014, nothing like it had been attempted on this scale before in the UK or indeed Europe.

“We are also celebrating other firsts at Longleat with this event as we mark the 75th anniversary of the House opening too.  Longleat House was one of the first to open its doors thanks to the vision of my grandfather, the 6th Marquess.

“A new light show brings to life the façade of the House with a stunning projection mapping display which will take visitors through the history including 4D animals which appear to run towards you as we mark the opening of the first Safari Park outside Africa in 1966.”

The lantern trail is a historical wonderland with kings and queens, a giant 12 metre clock, the opportunity to walk through a pyramid and much more as vibrant colours and sound create memories to treasure.

The event also features the famous singing Christmas tree which stands at more than 15 metres tall, illuminated with more than 88,000 twinkling lights and fitted with four snow-making machines, the ever-popular Santa Train as well as the opportunity during day-time hours to see the animals which call Longleat home.