Elvaston Castle set to become a Winter Wonderland when it’s lit up for Christmas
ELVASTON castle is going to be sprinkled with fairy dust and transformed into an enchanting Winter Wonderland this Christmas where families will be able to visit Santa and his elves, enjoy an outdoor ice rink and take a magical walk through a state of the art lightshow.
For the first time ever, the popular country park is set to host its own festive family event in the run up to Christmas, which will see the house and its iconic grounds lit up with awe-inspiring illuminations providing a stunning multi-sensory experience.
The house, with its impressive gothic hall, will also be opened up to the public for the first time in years so that young visitors can enjoy Christmas crafts and stories with Mrs Claus, meet Father Christmas in his grotto and visit his elves in their workshop.
Bustler Market will provide festive food and drink while a Christmas craft fair, interactive street performers and fairground rides will ensure there is something for every member of the family.
The Winter Wonderland at Elvaston Castle event will run through November and December and is the brainchild of Nathan Thaker, owner of city-based Icons Talent.
Derby-born Nathan is working closely with Derbyshire County Council to bring the Winter Wonderland event to Elvaston Castle and ensure it is sustainable and respectful of the venue’s heritage while breathing new life into the disused house.
Organisers will also lay a protective walkaway, flanked by lights, for visitors who will emerge from the car park onto the main avenue of trees and make their way to the front of the dramatically-lit hall.
He said: “We’re very excited and honoured to be organising the first-ever Winter Wonderland event at Elvaston Castle and Country Park which is a perfect venue for something of this nature and scale.
“I grew up in Derby myself and have been to Elvaston Castle many times with my family over the years, my Grandad used to take part in the annual ploughing event, so the place holds a special place in my heart.
“Our creative team has worked on live experiences at some of the UK’s leading attractions – including Alton Towers and Haven Holidays – and we know this is going to be a breath-taking and magical Christmas event with something for everyone.
“We’ve got lots of surprises in store. It may be the middle of summer but it’s already Christmas at Icons and we can’t wait to welcome Derby to Elvaston Castle when November comes round.”
Elvaston Castle and its grounds became the UK’s first country park in the 1960s after it was sold to the county council. The hall was built in a gothic design in the early 19th Century with the gardens laid out by William Barrow between 1830 and 1851 under instruction from the fourth Earl of Harrington.
Tickets for the Winter Wonderland at Elvaston Castle start at £8 for entry during off-peak times and are available by visiting www.derbywinterwonderland.co.uk