‘Enchanting’ is the perfect word to describe Swindon’s first light trail, held in Old Town this Christmas. 

Town Gardens will be filled with light and colour every night for the whole month to get families into the festive spirit.

The 1.5km trail takes visitors through illuminated trees and light art sculptures. 
There are even lights on the floor, which act as a keyboard when people walk on the ‘keys’.

On the opening night on Wednesday, children were particularly transfixed by the dazzling disco ball light which transformed the space into a moving light show.

A NHS staff choir added to the ambience by singing some Christmas tunes from the bandstand which reverberated along the trail.

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Arthur, 7, said: “The lights were really pretty and I felt like I was in Harry Potter.

“It was fun working out how the disco ball bit worked.”

Haylee, from Swindon Pride group said: “It was a symphony of light and colour and that’s all I could think of as I went through. 

“It’s a proper family event. You see the little ones staring in wonder.

“Apart from the Christmas lights switch-on, there’s not anything else like it where you can do something Christmassy with your family.”

Her friend Andy said: “The thing with these light trails is that they can’t help but get you in the festive spirit, especially with all the food and drink available.

“It’s so great there’s one closer to home now.”

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Organised by South Swindon Parish Council, the event manages to involve different elements of the community. 

Surrounding the NHS choir, there are tags hanging from the bandstand with messages from pupils at local schools reflecting on the last year.

On a chilly December night there’s plenty of food and hot drinks on sale from local businesses, as well as a bar stall.

For every ticket sold, £1 goes to Great Western Hospital charity Brighter Futures.
Chair of leisure, environment and amenities Neil Hopkins thought of organising a light show in Swindon after he enjoyed one in Reading. 

He explained:  “I thought this light company could do something special with this space and they have.

“I’m not aware of anything like this being done in Swindon before, certainly not on this scale and with this quality.”

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Chair of the parish council Chris Watts said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the finished product.

“The gardens couldn’t lend themselves any better to a light show like this. It’s a Victorian garden with all those little paths and nooks and crannies. It’s just fantastic. 

“What’s important about this event is having it after terrible year we’ve had and giving families the chance to come out and enjoy Christmas in a way they weren’t able to do last year.

“I’m not sure there’s anything that will compare to this.”

The trail costs £5.50 for children and £10.50 for adults throughout December. Buy tickets here.