Connaught@Christmas is back! Tickets go on sale for ‘magical’ Sidmouth garden illuminations in December
Anyone looking for a magical festive experience to kick off Christmas 2022 can now book to visit Connaught@Christmas at Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth - which this year is set to be even more enchanting.
After the success of the first event in 2021, this year there’s a longer run of 10 days from Friday December 9 to Sunday December 18. Each day the illuminations open at 4.30pm with last entrance at 8pm.
And there’s even more to see, as event organiser John Radford explains. “As well as the delightful spectacle of the lit gardens which were a real wow factor with visitors last year, we’re introducing additional, interactive fun for children.
“Father Christmas has again found time to fit us in and will be on hand to welcome fans young and old for a friendly festive chat in the Christmas garden which is to be dressed as an exquisite wintry scene.”
As before, the whole of the gardens will be zoned and a combination of spotlights, light curtains, uplighters and tree lighting used to create beautiful displays using the architecture, trees, flora and flower beds, not forgetting the cactus house which will be enhanced with colour-changing lights.
While some areas will have similar look, especially the stunning pea light curtain near the Clocktower Café which proved so popular for photo opportunities last year, most of the lighting designs are brand new. The large area of the gardens near the bandstand will be architecturally lit, with the exciting addition of a structural display of glowing domes. Both beaches, at Jacob’s Ladder and the town-side beach will be bathed in projected colours.
A number of new ideas are being brought in, including special sessions for those who have sensory differences. Lighting and music will be muted and just 100 tickets will be available each day for these sessions on the Tuesday and Wednesday from 4.30 to 5.30pm (50 tickets per 30 minute block).
John explained: “The idea came from an ad hoc session we did last year for a family with an autistic child who rarely get to visit this type of event. They were so thrilled to be able to join in that we decided to open this out to even more families.
“We want to keep these sessions for those who really need them, but for anyone else who would like a quieter visit, we will happily recommend the best days and times to visit based on footfall from last year.”
In addition to the wonderful illuminations, the Food & Craft Village - which proved so popular in 2021 - will once again be sited opposite the gardens in Manor Road car park. The village showcases small traders from Sidmouth and East Devon; while some will stay for the full run, others are changing over half way through - offering even more unusual and delightful items for visitors to browse. Wreath making and pottery painting sessions will be available in the marquee, and there will be more local food and drink vendors to choose from, offering a wide range of delights from local ciders, ales and mulled wine to pizza, dim sum and vegan dishes. “As last year, visitors will be able to enjoy the illuminated gardens and stay for dinner and drinks!”
Keeping to environmental aims, the event team will be implementing ways of reducing and recycling waste throughout the event, while the illuminations will use energy efficient LED lamps to keep energy usage to a minimum.
Ticket prices are £5 per child (under 2s free), £9.50 for an adult and £25 for a family of four, plus a small booking fee.
To find out more and buy tickets visit: connaught-at-christmas.co.uk
