Illuminated trail Connaught@Christmas reveals a very special ambassador

This year’s illuminated Christmas trail at Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth this December will be welcoming an important VIP to officially open the event’s new ‘sensory sessions’.

Coraline Troy is attending Connaught@Christmas as an ambassador for visitors with sensory considerations. Coraline, who is just 5, has Down’s Syndrome. She will be the first to try out the sensory sessions, tailored for those who struggle with crowds, noise and flashing lights.

The idea came from last year’s event after organiser John Radford had a chance conversation with one of the traders from the Food & Craft Village, who said she couldn’t visit the illuminations herself as her autistic child would be unable to cope.

John suggested the family entered the gardens at the end of the evening when the crowds had left. “I realised we could dim the lights, which is exactly what we did. The mum was thrilled and told me that it was very rare for her family to visit events like this.

“We want everyone to be able to enjoy Connaught@Christmas, so when we started discussing this year’s event, the team all agreed that we should introduce sessions for families with the same issues.”

Coraline has been invited to open the first Tuesday session with her parents, Kevin and Liz Troy. John says “I’m absolutely delighted that Coraline is to be our ambassador. We met Kevin and Liz at the Exeter Living Awards earlier this year when they won an award for Coraline Skincare, a range that Kevin first created for his daughter’s sensitive skin. It was a wonderful coincidence.”

Coraline’s mum Liz explained that sometimes the family avoids doing things as they may be too new, loud or stimulating for Coraline. “We may try to go to a play centre, but have to come away as she hasn’t engaged and has put her hands over her ears - it’s too much for her to take in. We feel sad about that, but at the same time proud we tried for her.

“Having the option of a sensory session at Connaught@Christmas feels absolutely amazing. Although the setting will be new for Coraline, this gives her the optimum environment to love what’s around her and space to roam, now she’s beginning to walk. We won’t know how she will react as it will be so new, but the most important thing is we go! If she still doesn’t engage it doesn’t matter, because we will have done our absolute best to do something Christmassy all together.”

John asks that only those who really need the sessions book them. “Please only buy tickets for these times if relevant to your child. If you simply want to come when it’s quieter, we will be happy to advise on the best times and days to visit, just contact us via the website or social media.”

Connaught@Christmas runs from December 9 to 18 and the sensory sessions are on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December from 4.30 to 5.30pm. Ticket prices for the event are £5 per child (under 2s free), £9.50 for an adult and £25 for a family of four, plus a small booking fee. The code to use is SENSORYC@C22.

To find out more and book tickets visit Connaught@Christmas