THE VIBRANT festive light trail ‘Luminate’ has returned to Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens.
The attraction brings a much-needed warm glow on the ever-increasing dark winter nights as it takes visitors on an illuminated journey in the run up to Christmas and New Year.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.It opened last night and runs until January 1 with so much to explore.
As well as the lights that lead the way, there are also adorable displays, depicting butterflies, fairies, stars, a mirrorball lagoon and other items.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.Trees are adorned with light trails, lights zip across a lake and there are an illuminated bandstand and fountain along with, of course, a giant Christmas tree. Classical music soundtracks add to the atmosphere and build the ambience.
New to Birmingham this year for the vista is a stunning beaming laser and search light show set to a medley of music.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.And there are some fantastic interactive displays too – games where you have to stop the light, handbells to play in time with flashing lights, a selecter machine to see if you have been ‘naughty’ or ‘nice’ ahead of Father Christmas’ arrival and a ‘Make a Wish wall’.
Floor projections will have botanic nods in their visual displays as well as the cute penguins sliding around on ice.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.It is billed as ‘the UK’s number one festive light trail’ and it does not disappoint, offering something for all ages.
En route, you can enjoy mulled wine and toast marshmallows on fire pits, to keep the chill away.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the green heart of Birmingham, offering a uniquely bio-diverse natural environment. It is one of the UK’s most significant historic Botanic Gardens which has remarkably remained intact since 1829.
Janine Maycock, part of the Luminate team, said: “We’re so excited about returning to Birmingham for 2025.
“We work hard to ensure Luminate is a fun and enchanting evening out.
“We work with the best in the business to create bespoke installations and the trail is different each year, so there is always a surprise.
“We can’t wait to share the experience and look forward to welcoming people for the first time as well as our returning visitors.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.A spokesperson for Birmingham Botanical Gardens says: “We are thrilled to host Luminate at the Gardens this year.
“The light trail will bring a magical atmosphere to our beautiful surroundings, making it a must-see event for families and visitors during the festive period.
“We’re also delighted that Luminate is supporting our chosen charities by donating tickets to them.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.Delicious food and drink will be available in the courtyard.
The trail is on a wide, hard-surface path suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and pushchairs. There will be dedicated evenings for those with Special Educational Needs this season.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.Luminate also works with Ecologi, to offset their carbon and has planted almost 84,000 trees to date with a target of 100,000 in the next 12 months.
The trail takes about an hour to complete and there is plenty of free parking available.
Click here for more on Luminate at The Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston and to book tickets.
