New illuminations revealed for Sidmouth’s Connaught@Christmas 2022
With the run up to Christmas well and truly underway, the Connaught@Christmas team has announced exciting new additions for the festive illuminations in Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth making the event, which runs from December 9 to 18, even more of an enchanting experience
The walled garden which was last year filled with lit Christmas trees is to be transformed into a pretty snow garden. Here younger visitors will be able to meet Father Christmas who has kindly agreed to be on hand for photo opps and discussions about what they’d like to find under the tree on Christmas Day. The fake snow is biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and safe for people and wildlife.
Other changes include an additional lighting installation of LED domes on the main lawns. These will change and blend colours whilst lights dance across the bandstand. Included in the coastal projections this year are the rock groins on the town side adding a new dimension to the event, whilst the projections on Jacob’s Ladder beach which went down so well before will be augmented further to create a really memorable display.
Some elements from 2022 are returning, such as the pea light curtains on the pagoda in the Clock Tower garden. Connaught@Christmas organiser John Radford explains: “We had a great response to this last year – it was the most popular place for selfies. Everyone said they wanted to see it again and the event team were in total agreement – so they’re back!
“Most of the illuminations will be quite different to last year as each of the zoned areas is being given enhancements or changes to keep the experience fresh and new for everyone.”
There are also several interactive activities being added to keep the younger generation engaged including a ‘reindeer trail’ to follow. Sensory sessions for families with children needing a more muted visit are available on December 14 and 15 from 4.30 to 5.30pm. The code to book these is SENSORYC@C22.
Sidmouth Town Band is opening the event on Friday December 9 and closing it on Sunday December 18 with Rock Choir also performing for one night on Sunday December 11. On other evenings there will be subtle background music played in certain areas to add to the festive atmosphere.
As well as the illuminations the free to visit Food & Craft Village in Manor Road car park opposite the gardens has a plethora of new traders including Kilimanjaro Candles, Exe Chocolate and Pebble Studio, as well as some favourites returning from last year: I Made This, Samphire Jewellery, and Ebb Tides. Tickling the tastebuds for the first time at the event are Yamza Persian Wraps and Big Bear Burgers with familiar faces such as Westcountry Dimsum, Ventons Cyder and the Churros Co.
Visitors can take their time to walk round the illuminated trails, which can take from 30 minutes to an hour especially with a stop at the Clock Tower Café for a hot chocolate.
To book tickets visit Connaught@Christmas
