You may have seen the Magical Lantern Festival mentioned in our 10 Things To Do In London For Valentine’s round-up last week. The festival has now began and Danny and I were invited down last night to Chiswick House & Gardens to the VIP opening evening.
The evening started off with drinks and nibbles and then we all moved outside into the gardens, it was pitch black and we were led to the stage where proceedings began. After an amazing drums, glow sticks and fire performance we were treated to the lion dance just before the Mayor of Hounslow turned on the lights. The gardens which are absolutely huge, appeared lit up with beautiful lanterns and everyone leapt out an ‘aaah’. Finally we could see it all!
The lantern festival celebrates the Chinese New Year – the Year of The Monkey, in which you will see plenty of monkey lanterns around the gardens, alongside zebras, pandas, flamingos and many others. It is a zoo of lanterns for sure. Alongside these there are handcrafted lanterns of flowers, Cinderella and so many more. We couldn’t believe how big this exhibition is and covers the gardens, you don’t quite know what you will see next as you walk down the darkened paths. There are really some amazing sights and it is well worth a visit, make sure to wrap up warm and bring comfortable shoes. I took way too many photos, but I’ll leave you with my favourites.
The Magical Lantern Festival is on now until 6th March at Chiswick House & Gardens. You can book tickets at www.magicallantern.uk.
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9 Comments
The Purley Girly
February 4, 2016 at 16:59Thank you so much for the recommendation last week -I’ve grabbed tickets and so pleased I did, because it looks amazing! x
Paula
February 4, 2016 at 17:09You are going to love it, I was in awe of like all of them! When are you going? x
The Purley Girly
February 4, 2016 at 18:41On 19th Feb! I can’t wait for it. x
Paula
February 4, 2016 at 18:51Have a great time! x
Amy
February 4, 2016 at 17:00Working in the arts I see / hear about a lot of lantern festivals – this is probably the best I’ve seen! Wow! No idea it happened, so thanks for sharing.
http://www.thewildcard.co.uk
Paula
February 4, 2016 at 17:10It’s really impressive, definitely would recommend going! x
Jessica Edmunds
February 5, 2016 at 01:07Oh my gosh what an amazing opportunity, the pandas are adorable, this is such a spectacle! xxx
JoinMeinMiami
February 8, 2016 at 04:19Wow! I love this! So colorful and magical 🙂
http://www.joinmein.miami
Place to stand
February 9, 2016 at 14:05Wow wow – have been dying to celebrate Year of the Monkey as I am one – great friend in Chiswick too so off to the website now – stunning !