Press Release
Christmas at Wakehurst Place
Christmas celebrations get underway in a big way next week (Friday 28 November) when the country’s largest growing Christmas tree is illuminated at Wakehurst Place in West Sussex.
Wakehurst Place, at Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, has a wealth of attractions all year round, but Christmas is a particularly special time to enjoy the the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew’s country garden.
Enjoy the spectacle of the country’s largest growing Christmas tree – a magnificent 100ft metre high giant redwood, take advantage of relaxed Christmas shopping in the gift shop, and get into the festive spirit at Wakehurst’s popular carol concert.
Or simply blow away the cobwebs, get out in the fresh air, and enjoy a bracing winter walk in the stunning 500 acres of gardens, woodlands and nature reserves –open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Also, find out more about vital work going on in the Millennium Seed Bank to save threatened plant species from around the world.
Big Tree Switch On – 5pm Friday November 28
The Wakehurst Christmas tree, festooned with 1,800 energy saving lightbulbs, will be lit up on Friday 28 November at 5pm.
Enjoy the spectacle of the lights going on and take part in Family Festive Workshops in the mansion from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Impress family and friends by making natural festive decorations – a wreath or table decoration – using materials from Wakehurst (£10 per item), while children can make free tree decorations.
The tree lights will then be illuminated daily from 4pm until midnight on January 6.
Christmas shopping
Avoid the hassle of city centre shopping and get ideas and inspiration for presents in the Wakehurst gift shop.
Christmas trees will go on sale from Saturday November 29 and the shop will stay open until 7pm for late night shopping on Friday 28 November, Thursday 4 December, Thursday 11 December, and Friday 19 December.
Carol Concert – Friday 19 December
Take a break from festive preparations and get in the spirit of Christmas at Wakehurst’s popular carols evening. The Salvation Army Band and local choirs will lead the music and singing.
Entry to the garden will be free from 4.30pm and carols start at 7pm. There will be a chance to take part in activities in the mansion before the carols - make a Christmas pudding decoration for the Christmas tree using wool from Wakehurst sheep, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm in the mansion.
Andy Jackson, head of Wakehurst Place, said: “Christmas is always a special time at Wakehurst Place. We know it has become a Christmas tradition for some of our visitors to come along to see the tree switched on, or join in the carols, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to this year’s festive events.”
Notes to Editors
For more information ring 01444 894067 or email wakehurst@kew.org
To download images please visit http://www.kew.org/press/images/wakehurst and contact Bryony Phillips on b.phillips@kew.org for the username and password
Wakehurst Place
Wakehurst Place is home to formal gardens, natural woodlands, nature reserves and a sixteenth century Mansion; plus the Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild seed collection in world. It is located on the B2028 between Ardingly and Turners Hill (Junction 10 off the M23), West Sussex, and open daily, from 10am, except December 24 and 25. For more information, telephone 01444 894067 or log on to www.kew.org
For further Press information please contact:
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Kew: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5607/5619 |
Wakehurst Place: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1444 894018 |
