Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens nominated for awards

The Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas is set to receive not one, but two top titles at the Tourism South East Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

The popular light art trail is a finalist in two categories – Tourism Event/Festival of the Year and Unsung Hero, for the unflappable Head of Technical Production Zane Meaby, who is known as ‘The Magician’ to his colleagues.

Over the last three years, Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas has become renowned for the millions of LED lights in immersive and interactive festive light art and sound installations.

Last year 72,000 people visited the botanical garden for their festival display. 

READ MORE: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens festive light trail will be 'bigger and better' this year

The popular event is up for two awards (Image: Rob Luckins) Behind the scenes, unsung hero Zane will be keeping the lights on. He said: .“I’m honoured to be a finalist in the Unsung Hero Award because it’s a wonderful recognition of the hard work by so many people it takes to put on Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas.

“I’m sure we’ll have an unbelievable night at the awards ceremony – almost as exciting as opening the doors for this year’s light trail on 28 November.”

It means Light Up Trails is guaranteed to win Gold, Silver or Bronze awards in both categories at the prestigious awards ceremony hosted by Heart Radio’s Toby Anstis at the Grand Brighton on Tuesday 10 December.

SEE MORE: Christmas fun for all the family at National Trust properties across Hampshire

Light Up Trails directors, Libby Battaglia and Lucinda Croft, said: "This is wonderful news, we’re so grateful to be named as finalists in two categories.

“It takes a whole year to make the vision a reality so these awards are for the hard-working team that brings it all together, best especially for Zane who is like a wizard conjuring spells behind the scenes, transforming trials into triumphs and helping make lasting memories for thousands of visitors.”

Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas opens on Thursday 28 November and runs until New Year’s Day. For more information and to book tickets, visit https://www.lightuptrails.com.