Inspired by the Northern Lights, Aurora is just one of several new light installations which have been confirmed for Christmas at Blenheim Palace's illuminated outdoor trail later this year.
Blenheim Palace is the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. This masterpiece of 18thcentury Baroque architecture boasts over 300 years of history and is a World Heritage Site, surrounded by more than 2000 acres of 'Capability Brown' landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens.
Visitors to the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site will be able to take in an array of amazing light artwork from artists from across Europe at the trail, which runs from 18 November 2022 to 2 January 2023.
On The Wings Of Freedom by Aether & Hemera, Supernova, by Studio Vertigo, and Aurora, by ITHACA Studio, have all recently been added to the popular trail.
Aurora is a brand-new overhead installation, only seen once before in the UK when it premiered at Christmas at Kew last year. It recreates the world-famous Aurora Borealis – known as the Northern Lights – whilst illuminating both its audience and the surroundings.
Aether & Hemera's installation, On The Wings Of Freedom, is a swarm of 180 butterflies that symbolise change, creativity, soul, freedom, joy, and colour, while Supernova is a large-scale artwork standing over seven metres tall that comes to life, with smoke and lights emanating from the core of the star as it awakens.
Matthew Findlay, Head of UK Trails for Sony Music/Raymond Gubbay Ltd, said: “We are hugely excited by the plans for this year's trail, with artists creating beautiful, new installations which will provide even more 'wow' factor for 2022.”
RGL/Sony Music has been delivering hugely successful illuminated trails for almost ten years. Each trail is carefully designed to showcase the natural and unique environment of its iconic setting. There are currently over 30 trails across the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia within the Christmas, Halloween, IGNITE and Lightscape portfolios.
Firmly positioned as one of the highlights of the UK festive calendar, visitors can enjoy wandering the Palace's picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer as over a million lights and seasonal sounds fill the air. Look forward to some time together with family and friends as you discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour.
The Christmas Market will enable visitors to escape the bustle of the high street and soak up the yuletide atmosphere with up to 80 traders offering a fabulous range of festive treats, from designer-makers and artisan food and drink producers. Talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tempting treats on offer. To make it perfectly festive, complete your walk under the stars with a *spiced winter warmer or *hot chocolate shared with someone special and why not toast a *marshmallow over the open fire.
Also at Blenheim Palace this Christmas will be The Kingdom of The Snow Queen, an indoor trail which will be reimagined within the State Rooms of Britain's Greatest Palace.
Tickets from: Combined Adult £57, Concession: £55.50, Child (age 3-16) £36.50, Family £166 (2 adults & 2 children). Parking after 10am: £10.
Free entry to Christmas Market. Parking charges apply after 10.00am.
Image Credits
The Snow Queen by Culture Creative, Blenheim Palace 2022. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music
Christmas at Blenheim Palace, My Christmas Trails 2022. Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music
Christmas Market at Blenheim Palace 2021, Photo by Richard Haughton © Sony Music