Christmas spectacular planned for Leonardslee Gardens ... and 50 new jobs

The Lower Beeding gardens will be lit up with light displays and projections onto the historic mansion buildings and the lakes in the Grade I listed gardens, with live music and theatrical performances for all the family.

The event will also boost the local economy by creating 50 new jobs.

Estate manager Adam Streeter said: “The event offers a welcome break for families and other visitors from the Covid-19 gloom - and a boost to the local economy and hospitality and entertainment sectors, which are suffering during the pandemic.

“Leonardslee Illuminated will provide short service work contracts for more than 50 artists, technicians, production personnel and other crafts and trades.

“December is a key time of year for the estate and local visitor economy. Tickets are selling fast, with visitors expected from across the south east.

“We have done a lot of work to ensure that the event meets the coronavirus rules and is safe to visit for everyone.”

The event will include a ‘magical Leonardslee Christmas Moon’ floating above the lake, Foz Creative, specialists in outdoor sound and music entertainment; Murmuration Arts, music theatre performances of bed-time lullabies collected from local mothers and across the world; Puppets with Guts, creators of big puppet theatre animations of spectacular outdoor music and drama; Shared Space and Light, with their large scale 3D video animation projections onto the gardens’ trees and buildings; Same Sky, designers of illuminated night-time displays and lighting; and Artpod, creators of the illuminated Leonardslee wallabies and other woodland creatures, including the fierce winter wolves and mythical Leonardslee forest fire dragon.

Leonardslee Illuminated runs on December 4-6, then 11-13 and 17-22. Ticket prices are for adults £16, aged 16 and over. Children’s tickets are £8, free entry for 2 years old and under.