One of the United Kingdom's most breathtaking festive light displays is now illuminating the winter nights at Twycross Zoo in Warwickshire. The spectacular Lanterns Of The Wild exhibition, which opened to the public on 14 November, is drawing large crowds eager to experience its magical mile-long trail of light.
A Crafted Wilderness of Light
The immersive attraction boasts an incredible collection of over 2,000 meticulously hand-crafted and painted lanterns. These stunning creations are arranged across ten distinct wilderness environments, transporting visitors from tropical rainforests and frozen tundras to the depths of the ocean and the vast African grasslands. A major highlight is the inclusion of the beloved children's character, The Gruffalo, marking this as the world's first Gruffalo lantern experience.
Monumental Scale and Stunning Detail
The scale of the installation is truly monumental. Zoo officials state that creating this illuminated paradise required a staggering more than 99,000 hours of work. A dedicated team of over 30 Chinese craftspeople brought the vision to life, utilising a vast array of 25,000 bulbs and 70,000 metres of strip lighting.
Among the many impressive features is a colossal Mount Rushmore installation, measuring an impressive 25 metres in length and eight metres in height, which was constructed in six separate segments. The zoo's marketing director, Jamie Turner, praised the exhibition, stating: "The craftsmanship is outstanding, every lantern is a work of art."
A Must-See Festive Destination
Positioned as one of the longest, if not the longest, Christmas illumination trails in Britain, the display represents a significant investment in festive entertainment. It offers a unique blend of natural wonder and festive cheer, making it a premier destination for families and visitors seeking a memorable seasonal experience in the heart of England.