The Festival of Light is open for 2025

The voice of iconic Aardman character Wallace led a special countdown alongside Morph and his creator Peter Lord at Longleat in Wiltshire to kick-off The Festival of Light, the estate’s annual lantern spectacular tonight. (Friday 7 November) 

It’s a world first to have award winning duo Wallace & Gromit in lantern form and they form part of the British Icons theme for Longleat’s festive showcase event. 

Well-loved characters Shaun the Sheep, Feathers McGraw and Morph can be discovered throughout the park along with Mossy Bottom Farm, West Wallaby Street and other iconic Aardman scenes. 

Visitors are able to discover “Down South” and “Up North” on the 2.5km route which takes in some of Britain’s most iconic landmarks from a recreation of the streets of London to the Welsh Dragon, the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and so much more. 

Scott Ashman, Head of Operations at Longleat, said: “Initial feedback from guests who have seen the build-up for the event over recent weeks is this is going to be our best yet; when you see Tower Bridge standing alongside Big Ben next to Longleat House lit up, it is truly breathtaking. 

“By their very nature, lanterns are an artistic interpretation of icons, and we hope our journey around the country will evoke and create special memories for our guests. 

“We are so delighted to be working with Aardman on the eve of a special year for both of us; we will be celebrating 60 years of Longleat Safari Park in 2026 and Aardman is marking 50 years of being a global powerhouse for animation. 

“The Festival of Light is a celebration of national treasures and is in addition to all the park has to offer from the drive-through safari, to opportunity to see our hippos from the boat safari as well as the biggest maze, bat cave and much more.” 

The event is also hoping to settle the Great Scone debate once and for all – is it jam or cream first? Visitors are being asked to vote with the result announced in the New Year. 

Peter Lord, Co-founder of Aardman said: “I couldn’t be happier, or prouder, than I am at this moment, as two great west-country institutions – Longleat and Aardman – join up for The Festival of Light which is quite a spectacular seasonal event. These beautifully made lanterns do full justice to the characters that we’ve created at Aardman over the years. I’m thrilled to see them so beautifully made - colourful and full of the comedy and fun which is so much a part of our work.” 

The Festival of Light is on selected dates until 11 January – tickets can be booked at longleat.co.uk