Wiltshire Estate honours 150th anniversary with giant illuminated versions of characters.
Longleat has unveiled the special Beatrix Potter lanterns which form part of this year’s Festival of Light across the Wiltshire Estate.
The displays – which celebrate the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth – are part of a new collaboration between Longleat and Penguin Random House to bring the famous set of Beatrix Potter’s stories to life.
Scenes include Peter Rabbit’s close encounter with Mr McGregor, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle putting out her washing and Jemima Puddle-Duck looking after her ducklings.
Jeremy Fisher’s lucky escape from a gigantic trout has been recreated on Longleat lake, as well as a feature on the star of Beatrix Potter’s newly-discovered story The Tale of Kitty in Boots.
“Working with Longleat to bring Beatrix Potter’s creations to life has been an absolute joy,” said Thomas Merrington, head of product development and brand manager Peter Rabbit at Penguin Random House.
“The artistry involved in creating these lanterns is just incredible and the stunning results are a testament to all those involved. We couldn’t have wished for a more engaging and exciting event to round off our 150th year of celebration.”
Longleat ceo Bob Montgomery added: “We were looking for something truly spectacular and memorable to add an extra dimension to this year’s Festival of Light.
“Having the chance to work with Penguin Random House and share the stories and magic of Beatrix Potter’s world with our visitors has been an amazing experience.”
This year’s festival also marks the 50th anniversary of Longleat’s safari park and features a giant birthday cake, an illuminated Christmas scene, a group of Longleat’s infamous monkeys on board a recreation of the original dragon safari boat, plus an avenue of four-metre-high lions.
You can check out more pictures of the giant illuminated Beatrix Potter characters below:
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