The magic of Luminate

Glowing woodland paths, festive food and winter fun - the light trail at Sandringham's back.

The feeling I have walking around Luminate is one of pure joy. From dancing elves to mirror balls giving the illusion of snow flurries - the Royal Parkland is alive with lights, music and animals narrating.

My two year old is immediately mesmerised, as the bear welcomes us to the wood. And for a mile or so we are immersed in an enchanting journey. We travel through tunnels, play instruments and even get to toast some marshmallows.

It’s at the fire pit we meet Stuart and his 6 year old son Robert, who says, “I love it. The reindeer are great and my favourite thing is playing the drums.” 6 year old Elliot’s also there with his 4 year old brother, Thomas. “It’s really exciting,” Elliot says, “And makes me feel like Christmas.”

We can see a laser display, which lights up the sky, and set off to have a closer look. Snettisham’s Scout Group’s watching too, the 8 year olds are transfixed. Afterwards Edward tells me, “It’s very cool, we think it looks like UFOs.”

And off they run to the stepping stones that change colour - going back and forth in delight. These immersive installations aren’t just for children, that’s the wonder of Luminate - you can unleash your inner child - let the magic in.

So I run along the stepping stones too - joined by a group of adults behind me. The member of staff nearby jokes, “When no-one’s here I have to admit I have a few goes!”

Then it’s on to make a wish. I meet the Scout group again, Casper says she’s wishing for “Love in the world”, Edward, “To be able to come to Luminate everyday,” and Harvey, “For my lovely mummy to get better.” I gave my wish to Harvey’s mum too.

I chat to Val, who's working on the trail for a second year, ready to help when needed, “Everyone’s so happy and amazed at what they see - it just makes it so special.” I ask what it’s like in the rain and cold, “It’s fine, you’ve just got to have layers and waterproofs!”

Next is the fairies, which delight my daughter. How can it not? It’s there, as luck would have it, we are walking alongside one of the directors of the event, Janine Maycock, “It’s really nice watching the kids’ reactions, it makes it all worthwhile,” she says.

“It’s a solid 9 months of planning, but to be honest even whilst we’re here now you walk around and you think oh what would work here, what would be better, where is there a gap that we need to think about for next year - so it almost starts during it!”

The hard work of the whole team’s paid off.  On the face of every person I pass is a smile or a look of wonder.

Before we know it we've come to the end - almost 2 hours have passed, and I’m left thinking - again please.

Luminate at Sandringham's on until December 24th