One of Yorkshire’s most magical events on the pre-Christmas calendar kicked-off last night, with a special preview evening – and without a doubt – the team behind ‘Glow 2021’ at RHS Harlow Carr, have surpassed themselves this year!
Along with Harlow Carr, the eagerly anticipated winter illuminations return once more to RHS Gardens Wisley, Hyde Hall and Rosemoor following sell-out success in 2020, while RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, stages its own version of Glow for the very first time since opening in May 2021.
Hundreds of thousands of specialist lights and vibrant vistas have transformed the already spectacular gardens at Harlow Carr, creating magical moments for the masses of visitors who will head to the 58-acre, HG3 attraction throughout the festive season. Colourful tree canopies, sparkling shrubs and glittering water features light the way around the gardens, taking in iconic sights and breath-taking displays.
With lights illuminating the Four Seasons sculptures by Phillip Haas, iconic features such as the Streamside, the Queen Mother’s Lake and the Winter Walk, in addition to an extended route into the woodland, make the light trail this year, bigger and brighter than ever before.
‘Glow’ heralds the official start of Christmas for North Yorkshire folk – and while many of the grown-ups were looking forward to a ‘boozy hot choc’ from Betty’s – for the small people, it was difficult to keep a lid on how extremely excited they were – as they created their own mix of reindeer food to take home in preparation for Christmas Eve!
Capturing the wonder last night with phones and cameras was essential. The beautiful colours and views – and with the Moon shining out from above, made the evening even very special! As we all love to click and capture our memories, there’s even an opportunity this year to join some night photography workshops, which are taking place on 2 and 12 December, so if you’d like to master a new skill in a wonderful setting – you can! (Separate booking essential.)
‘Glow’ runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 18 November – 18 December, then Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays only 20 – 29 December. The gardens are open from 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Last entry is 7.30pm.
Colin Petch
November 2021