A Regency Christmas: 15 November 2021 – 2 January 2022
Enlightened Light Trail: 26 November 2021 – 1 January 2022
The biggest and most spectacular festive season ever staged at Belvoir Castle will see the fairy-tale home transformed for A Regency Christmas and its historic gardens illuminated with a magical light trail.
Opening 15 November, the Regency Castle will be transformed into a festive spectacular by leading interior designer Charlotte Lloyd Webber. The hilltop castle is one of the finest surviving examples of Regency architecture and boasts a treasure trove of stunning binge-worthy interiors to thrill the most avid Bridgerton fan.
With the Netflix blockbuster igniting interest in all things Regency in popular culture today, and the eagerly awaited season two in production, the appetite for an authentic Regency experience this Christmas is set to be huge.
Taking inspiration the Duke and Duchess of Rutland’s family insignia, the castle will be dressed with Regency inspired décor; trees will be draped in the Belvoir colours of blue and gold along with a festive palette; opulent rooms set in readiness for a party and other surprises to whisk the visitor into the world of Regency romance. Rooms will be 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.
The key decorative notes of individual rooms will inform the designs with an immense Peacock Tree in the Elizabeth Saloon. 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.
A Regency tree will be decorated in the style of the era while a spectacular Kissing Bough will add to the features typical of the time.
Charlotte Lloyd Webber said: “We are delighted to be working with Belvoir to design its first major Christmas event that will highlight in spectacular festive fashion some of the most famous and gorgeous interiors of this fairytale Regency castle, which happily is currently very in vogue on the back of the Bridgerton Netflix series.
“A common misconception is that Christmas was largely invented by the Victorians. However interior trees were used by the Georgians, following the German tradition particularly in aristocratic houses but would more commonly have been a Yew tree. We will be adding our own interpretative twist and the house will display contemporary decorations that hark back to this beautiful decorative period.”
Archivists at the Castle are poring over the diary entries and other memorabilia to bring out stories of the era as part of the festivities.
Emma, Duchess of Rutland, said: “This Christmas, we invite you to become our guest for the festive season at Belvoir and allow us to transport you back to a world ruled by elegance and etiquette. We are so excited to be presenting A Regency Christmas set in what is surely England’s finest Regency home, the scene of many glamorous balls, elegant parties, intimate suppers along with a good dash of romance and intrigue.”
There’s more to see and do at Belvoir Castle this Christmas than ever before. Brand new for 2021, the Enlightened Light Trail 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 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/
