Located down at Lakeside area (the large lake) the Winter Festival opened last week we popped along to see what it was all about.
As you arrive you start your visit with a Winter Trail through a beautifully lit woodland. It’s great for the kids as they will come across illuminated willow creatures at every twist and turn like the reindeer (created by Dragon Willow). It’s not long so don’t worry, but do wear warm clothing and sensible shoes. It wasn’t muddy when we came, but if it rains, you’ll be better with boots. We had a pram with us and it wasn’t too bad to push as Nene Park have made it a walkway that’s fairly flat.
You then enter the Enchanted Forest where you are met with some performances (Eastern School of Performing Arts) and an audio visual installation by Syntax Poetry Collective members (Mark Grist, Charley Genever, Lauren Kendrick and Sandy Wardrop) featuring brand-new poems inspired by their favourite forest creatures. (Sorry there’s no faraway tree! for those of you who remember!!!) Beautiful lights and fairy-like butterfly creatives will certainly capture the little ones as they whirl around in bright colours. As you continue there are plenty of other magical moments along your trail to surprise you. All in all it takes around 10-15 minutes for your walk.
After your walk, you can then take a seat in Nene Park’s unique travelling cinema (The Moving Cinema and supported by Gateway Film Festival) which allows you to sit through a showing of that all-time Christmas favourite ‘The Snowman’. (about 30 minutes). It gives you a chance to warm up a bit.
You can then venture out and have a snapshot as you get to sit in Santa’s sleigh and there are some cardboard cutouts to poke your head through too. You’ll also enjoy some of the fairground stalls and festive food & drink which is on offer and a small pop-up Christmas shop. It just ends the experience and if you want to find a stocking filler for xmas, you never
- Dates: It runs every day up to 24th December – 4pm, 5.30pm & 7pm
- Prices: £9.50 each (free for carers and under 3’s)
- Parking: free
All ticket proceeds going straight towards the upkeep of the Park making this event one of their largest fundraiser events of the year!
Get tickets here online: www.nenepark.org.uk/Pages/Category/winter-festival
