A HAMPSHIRE beauty spot will be lighting up after dark to welcome visitors to a festive art trail designed by artists.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Ampfield will ‘light up’ from Thursday, November 24 to New Year’s Eve for a mile-long art trail.

The award-winning attraction will open its gates after dark during the Christmas period, welcoming visitors to an immersive light trail with art installations by some of Europe's most popular light artists and designers.

The show has been created by Light Up Trails, Hampshire-based designers who specialise in bringing art to light. Director Libby Battaglia said: "There’s something elemental about light that draws us to it and at night, the presence of light brings us together and makes us feel closer. In the hands of artists that becomes a magical thing, even more so at this most wonderful time of the year."

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Co-director Lucinda Croft added: "People haven't been in the gardens at night in the winter months so the light trail will be a very special new experience - it will be absolutely beautiful with the lights accentuating the landscape.

"After dark the imagination comes out to play and with the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas we'll be making memories that will last forever."

Although the installations are still being made, event creators have revealed that Jermyn's House will be illuminated by a sea of tulips in LED lights, while an animated Christmas story designed by award-winning light artist Ross Ashton will be projected onto the walls of the house.

Hampshire Chronicle:

The pond will become the backdrop to a show of moving lights and Himalayan Valley will tell the story of the four seasons in light, as created by international lighting designer James Smith. Other highlights include light up stepping stones, illuminated butterflies and Christmas Tree Lane. The trail draws to an end will a field of glowing hand-painted flowers.  

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A variety of street food and festive drinks will also be on offer. Advance bookings can be made now at lightuptrails.com.