Christmas got off to a spectacular start last week, when we were invited to the launch of A Regency Christmas at Belvoir Castle.
2021 sees the biggest and most spectacular festive season ever staged at Belvoir Castle, which after last Christmas, is just the thing we need.
Already a fairy-tale home, Belvoir has been transformed into scenes that wouldn’t look out of place on a Christmas Card.
A piper welcomed us at the entrance to the property. Playing traditional music, it set the scene perfectly as we passed the large illuminated tree at the entrance before walking through a beautiful christmas tree lined corridor into the entrance hall.
Here we met with the designer of the festive spectacular, Charlotte Lloyd Webber. Charlotte told us how she had taken inspiration from the Duke and Duchess of Rutland’s family insignia, dressing the castle with Regency inspired décor; trees are draped in the Belvoir colours of blue and gold along with a festive palette; opulent rooms are set in readiness for a party.
If you are at all familiar with the family insignia, you will likely be able to pick out more than a first time visitor, especially some of the little touches. It’s one of those where you would probably spot more nods to the home’s heritage each time you went round. Keep a lookout for Peacocks!
We were invited to wander freely around the world of Regency romance created and view the rooms decorated to highlight the High Regency interiors from the Guard Room, Ballroom, Elizabeth Saloon, State Dining Room and Picture Gallery to the Kings Suite Bedrooms and Regents Gallery.
Inspiration is taken from other stunning Regency interiors such as the Brighton Pavilion built for the Prince Regent who was a frequent visitor to Belvoir along with his brother the Duke of York, reportedly the lover of Elizabeth, 5th Duchess of Rutland. Tour guides were on hand to help with any questions, and we all met costumed actors as well as Santa and Mrs Claus.
I think we all grabbed an opportunity to get a photo in front of the large beautiful Regency tree that towered over the room and was positioned next to a beautiful crackling open fire.
A spectacular Kissing Bough also hung above us, a feature typical of the time.
There’s even more coming up if you’re planning a trip to Belvoir Castle this Christmas. The Enlightened Light Trail which starts 26 Nov will see the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden and Spiral Walk transformed into a magical trail lit by thousands of twinkling lights. A 3D projection will be beamed onto the facade of the castle while interactive light up games and a custom soundscape will create a breathtaking experience suitable for all the family to enjoy.
The Old Kitchen will be transformed into a Regency Santa’s Grotto for weekend visits while the Engine Yard will have its own Santa’s Grotto open every weekend over Christmas. Tickets available online.
During the run-up to Christmas 2021, there will be late night shopping events at the Engine Yard with quirky, not-on-the-high-street presents and treats as well as plenty of festive food and drink to enjoy on site.
Individual Christmas experience tickets for Castle and Garden and Combined tickets are available for the Regency Christmas and Enlightened Light Trail with pre-booking for the timed slots essential.
Peak and Off Peak Tickets are available for children aged 4-15, adults and families (2 adults, 2 children) starting from £12 child, £ 21 adult and £62 family for A Regency Christmas; £13 child, £17 adult, £56 family for Enlightened and £18 child, £27 adult and £90 family for the Combined offer.
Discount for groups of 15+, coach parking included, free entry and lunch for coach driver/ group tour organiser. Email groups@belvoircastle.com
To explore Belvoir at Christmas and pre-book visits, go to www.belvoirchristmas.com/event-category/christmas-2021/
Words: Tanya Louise/Redbrick PR
Photos: Tanya Louise/Courtesy of Redbrick PR
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