Lighting Up Longleat: InLight Launches the  Festival of Light in Wiltshire

As night descended over Longleat, 24 spectacular handcrafted lantern installations illuminated the historic grounds, marking the official opening of the Festival of Light. The festival, which opened to nearly ten thousand visitors on its first night, brings together British cultural icons and Chinese heritage craftsmanship to create an immersive and unforgettable winter experience. Running through January 11, 2026, the event promises to be a highlight of the season, attracting families, culture lovers, and tourists seeking a magical blend of art, history, and festivity.

A 12-Year Creative Partnership, Refined for 2025

The collaboration between InLight and Longleat has now spanned over twelve years, with this year’s edition representing the evolution of that relationship. InLight’s dedication to refining both the artistic elements and operational logistics has allowed the event to continually improve, with each year showcasing more intricate designs and more expansive concepts.

For the 2025 festival, the creative team at InLight brought to life a stunning vision centered around British cultural icons. Featuring 19 iconic British symbols, the lantern installations have been carefully crafted to capture the charm of England’s most beloved landmarks, historic figures, and pop culture references. The illuminated trail, now part of Longleat’s historic landscape, blends these British classics with the rich artistry of Chinese lantern-making traditions, creating a multi-sensory experience for visitors of all ages.

Among the key highlights are lantern representations of Wallace & Gromit, Chicken Run, and other popular characters from Aardman Animations, alongside architectural marvels like Stonehenge, the Angel of the North, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Regional elements such as London, Scotland, and the energetic vibes of the Glastonbury Festival have also been brought to life, seamlessly woven into the luminous displays.

InLight‘s Solutions: Comprehensive, Creative, and Scalable

The Festival of Light at Longleat is a true showcase of InLight’s expertise in delivering comprehensive event solutions that span the entire project lifecycle—from conceptualization and design to installation, operation, and ongoing maintenance. Here’s how InLight ensures every event is delivered with creativity, precision, and operational excellence:

Creative Development & IP Integration

Each year, InLight collaborates closely with creative partners to bring IP to life in a new format. This year’s integration of British IPs like Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run was designed with the help of Aardman Animations, ensuring each character was faithfully rendered. Lanterns and sculptures were intricately detailed, with authentic designs maintained throughout the process. This careful balance of IP management and artistic direction ensures the final product is both iconic and engaging for a diverse audience.

→ Learn more about Content & IP Management

Design, Engineering, and Fabrication

Our design team works from initial sketches to production-ready drawings, using 3D modeling software and physical mock-ups to refine each lantern design. Every aspect of the event is planned with precise attention to detail, from the technical specifications for lighting effects to ensuring the lantern structures are both visually striking and durable in all weather conditions.

The fabrication process involves handcrafting lanterns using traditional materials like silk and nylon, then integrating modern LED lighting to ensure vibrant, energy-efficient illumination. These creations are designed to be weather-resistant, ensuring they can withstand the British winter while maintaining their artistic integrity.

Lighting & Control Systems

At InLight, we understand that the magic of a light festival is not only in the design but also in the lighting and effects. Using cutting-edge lighting control systems, our team creates synchronized effects that move through the event, ensuring an immersive experience that guides visitors along the trail. The color transitions, spotlights, and ambient lighting are designed to match the mood of each installation, from soft, glowing landscapes to bright, lively character zones.

Site Planning and Operational Efficiency

In addition to artistic development, InLight takes a detailed approach to site planning. This involves landscape surveys, traffic flow analysis, and designing safe and accessible routes for visitors of all ages. Installation positions are strategically chosen to maximize visibility and safety, creating an engaging, easy-to-navigate experience. This is particularly important in maintaining smooth guest flow during peak times, especially with large crowds during the holiday season.

A Multi-Generational Experience

What sets this event apart is its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages. Children delight in meeting their favorite characters like Wallace & Gromit, while parents and grandparents can reminisce in front of the lantern representations of Stonehenge and Clifton Bridge. The festival’s installations are designed to be interactive, inviting people to pose for photos, explore the details up close, and enjoy the whimsical atmosphere. The diverse themes ensure that there’s something for everyone—from cultural history buffs to families seeking holiday magic.

On social media, visitors have praised the festival for its charm, with many sharing their experiences and noting that it has become a new holiday tradition for them.

The success of this festival speaks not only to the attraction of Chinese heritage and British culture, but also to the innovative approach of InLight, which bridges these two worlds seamlessly.

Why Venues Choose InLight

• End-to-End Solutions – InLight handles everything, from creative development to operational execution.
• Cultural Sensitivity – We tailor stories and IPs to resonate with local audiences while maintaining authenticity.
• Expert Operations – Our team ensures the event runs smoothly, with a focus on safety, guest experience, and operational efficiency.
• Scalable and Sustainable – InLight’s designs and solutions are built for longevity and can be reused for future events, ensuring maximum value for clients.

If you are a heritage site, zoo, or cultural attraction looking to enhance seasonal engagement or add a holiday lights program, InLight can help design, build, and operate an unforgettable event that will captivate audiences and enrich your programming.

→ Explore our Light Festival Solutions

 or contact our team about Event Production