Glow Wild light trail to return to Wakehurst this month

Wakehurst, the wild botanic garden linked with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, will soon host its 11th Glow Wild light trail.

The award-wining lantern trail running from November 28 to January 1 will transform the garden’s biodiverse landscape into an illuminated wonderland featuring over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns and bespoke installations that honour the beauty and significance of trees from around the globe.

The trial is the garden's 11th Glow Wild (Image: Wakehurst) This year’s Glow Wild trail will immerse visitors to the attraction, near Haywards Heath, in breathtaking scenes inspired by Wakehurst’s extraordinary botanic landscape, which serves as both muse and material for nine participating international artists and local artisans.

The creators have crafted site-specific installations that traverse the intricate beauty of trees, from life in the canopy to the complex network of roots below ground.

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Returning artist Michelle Dufar said: “Over the past ten years, I have found Wakehurst to be a consistently nurturing and symbiotic environment that fosters creative growth. The diversity of the landscape offers vast potential for artistic installation.”

Glow Wild at Wakehurst 2021 (Image: James Ratchford (c) RBG Kew) Key highlights of the 2024 trail include intricate woven tree structures, art that will take people inside the canopy and uncover the mycelium network, an illuminated pathway of leaf chandeliers and a festive projection display on the facade of the Elizabethan mansion, newly revealed after roof repairs.

A giant owl puppet, a mythical wood dragon and serene reflections by the lakeside further bring Wakehurst to life after dark.

Little owl made with Thingumajigs Theatre (Image: Helen McArdle, (c) RBG Kew)

In the words of artist Kerith Ogden: “Wakehurst is a place of inspiration for creative thinking. With the range of natural materials we have incorporated into our works, we have crafted an experience that resonates with both purpose and emotional depth.”

Wakehurst will offer quiet and relaxed sessions tailored for visitors with sensory sensitivities and other special requirements. Additionally, children under four can attend free of charge, and flexible ticketing allows visitors to reschedule their attendance up to one week in advance. For those seeking an exclusive evening experience, select late-night sessions will be reserved for adults only.