THIEVES might have tried to ruin Christmas at Harold Hillier Gardens when they stole £80,000 of cables last week, but the gardens threw open its gates and opened its light trail - and it could be the best yet.

The annual Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens trail at the 100-acre botanical garden near Romsey was put in danger earlier this week after Storm Bert swept in, meaning the opening was pushed back, and then thieves struck, taking cables in golf buggies. 

Read more: Thieves steal equipment from Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

However, the opening took place on Thursday, November 28, with scores of people invited to attend - and they would have been forgiven for not knowing anything had gone wrong at all.

Juno Allan, 54, head of SEND at Southampton City Council, said: "We know they must have put in so much effort and worked so hard so we could enjoy it!"

Juno attended the lights show with her family, who were equally impressed with the multi-sensory show.

She said: "It's absolutely fabulous - it's the start of Christmas for us."

Read more: Top nine light trails in Hampshire to visit this winter

Juno Allan, 54, Kevin Allan, 67, Joe Downing, 69, John Downing, 75 and Luke Downing, 26 (Image: Charles Elliman) The light trail winds its way around the garden, lighting it up in warm white to guide people along the designated route.

The beginning takes people through a technicoloured arch to the soundtrack of cheesy festive hits before hitting them with what must be Hampshire's largest 'Christmas' sign.

Read more: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens festive light trail is back

Throughout, there are fantastic installations to be seen, including a rose bed filled with hundreds of light-up roses, a forest filled with light-up butterflies, and a lake with a dancing light show.

At its centre, there is also food and drink to be had, with stalls offering everything from German sausages to crumble and Yorkshire wraps.

Read more: Winchester's Christmas market among best in the UK for 2024

The Sir Walter Tyrrell director Chris Brewer, 27 and landlady Mel Cross, 60 (Image: Charles Elliman) Ricky Pulhofer, 59, who was working at the event said he was excited to go and have a look at the lights after seeing them from a distance.

He said: "I'm getting Saturday and Sunday night off, and I'm going to see them then!"

Mel Cross, 60 and Chris Brewer, 27, landlady and director of The Sir Walter Tyrrell pub, liked the roses and butterflies the best.

Mel said: "It was very good last time, so we came again this year, and it hasn't disappointed."

The award-winning Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas event will welcome visitors from November 28 to January 1 with installations created by top artists and designers.

This year, the event is a finalist in two categories at the Tourism South East Beautiful South Tourism Awards. 

For more information and to book tickets, visit lightuptrails.com. Peak tickets cost £22 for adults, £15 for children, £70 for a family of two adults and two children.

Kids under two, as well as essential companions, go free. Off-peak prices are £20 for adults, £12.50 for children and £61 for a family of two adults and two children.