Chester Zoo has released the first detailed plans for its 2018 instalment of The Lanterns.
Visitors to the zoo’s family Christmas spectacular will be welcomed this year by nine specially created ‘worlds’, filled to the brim with animal-inspired illuminations, magical lanterns, twinkly costumed characters… and Father Christmas himself.
Running on selected nights from 23rd November to 23rd December, the heart-warming event raises vital funds to help support zoo’s work as a conservation charity fighting to prevent the extinction of numerous species around the world.
Visitors arriving at the zoo will enter into a ‘Garden of Delight’, filled with illuminated flowers that reach up to 10 foot in the air, before meandering through a series of fairy-tale worlds.
They will first discover a ‘Moonlit Meadow’, home to some favourite animal lanterns from years gone by – featuring species such as giraffe, elephant, lion, tiger, rhino and zebra – as well as specially created new sun bears, cheetahs and mandrills.
The journey continues through a giraffe lantern filled zone called ‘Shangri La’, and into a ‘Cloud Cuckoo Land’ of stunningly colourful bird lanterns and costumed characters, including a southern cassowary and great hornbill.
Those who wish to stop off at the ‘Northern Lights’ zone will enjoy Christmas trees, Christmas markets and a visit to see Father Christmas, before travelling on into the snow-filled ‘Enchanted Woodland’, placing much-loved British wildlife up in lights, before discovering the colourful and radiant, topsy-turvy world of ‘Wonderland’.
In ‘Rainforest Aglow’, families can walk underneath fantastical neon vines – and look out for the glowing sloth couple overhead.
Finally, no Christmas spectacular would be complete without penguin lanterns and characters, which can be found in the zoo’s new ‘Ice Kingdom’.
Festive food will be served throughout the route – including at the zoo’s Christmas markets and a brand new pub, The Oakfield, which was the original family home of Chester Zoo founder George Mottershead.
Jon Turley, Chester Zoo’s head of guest experience, said: “We really hope this specially crafted journey through the zoo will create some magical, festive family memories.
“The Lanterns will take you into colourful new worlds – whether you want to stroll among our animal inspired lanterns or meet a host of twinkly costumed characters, such illuminated reindeer, dazzling penguins and even an emu and a curious white rabbit.”
Tickets range from £10 – £17.50 for adults and £5 -£15 for children. Infants age 2 and under are free.
Visitors will be able to explore the evening sparkles at their own pace, but on average the experience lasts approximately 1 hour.
The Lanterns has been created in partnership with outdoor arts producers Wild Rumpus.
