Press Release

Wakehurst Place - Kew's country garden

Family carols evening - Friday 15 December 2006

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Christmas celebrations get underway in earnest with a free festive evening for all the family at Kew's country estate, in West Sussex, at 7pm on Friday 15 December.

Visitors from around the region will gather together in the carriage ring at Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, for a family carols evening.

The event, which is one of the highlights of the year at Wakehurst, is set to inspire the Christmas spirit in everyone.

An abundance of white lights will dress the 100-foot high Christmas tree which grows outside Wakehurst's 16th century mansion. With around 1,800 lights it will be Britain's largest Christmas tree and will provide the centre point of the evening. Three choirs and musicians from the Salvation Army Band will lead the singing around the Christmas tree, with a mix of favourite carols, old and new.

The evening will be presented by BBC broadcaster David Miller, the Saturday evening voice of Southern Counties Radio and Radio Solent which broadcast across the south of England.

Andy Jackson, Head of Wakehurst Place, said: "The Wakehurst carols evening is now in its 15th year and it is more popular than ever.

"Carols lie at the heart of Christmas celebrations and this is an opportunity for people to come along and sing their favourites in a very special setting. It promises to be a memorable evening for everyone involved."

Festive food and drink will be available in and around the mansion. The Visitor Centre gift shop will be open for Christmas shopping, and the Education Department will be staging drop-in activity sessions for youngsters to enjoy.

The choirs taking part in the evening are the local choir from St Peter's Church in Ardingly, Crowborough Choral Society and Hassocks Choirs Together.

A charity collection will be made during the evening.

The carols will begin at 7pm but the gardens and gift shop will stay open all day, with free entry after 4.30pm. People are encouraged to arrive early for the evening and to car share where possible.

The evening will still go ahead even if wet, and the advice from organisers is to come prepared in warm clothes, and to bring a fold up chair if wished (limited seating will be available).

Wakehurst Place is four miles north of Haywards Heath and is well signed. The entrance is on the B2028 between Ardingly and Turners Hill.

For further information visit the website www.kew.org or ring 01444 894066.

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