New elements inspired by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’ The Lost Words and The Lost Spells can be found at Nature by Night, Nature by Light at Anglesey Abbey from 9-21 December.
An event not to be missed, offering a magical experience through the illuminated National Trust gardens. An alternative to traditional Christmas experiences, visitors will see the estate brought to life through a series of light installations, projections, sculpture, performance, and sensory experiences, supported by a wealth of talented creative partners.
Alongside a variety of artists and performers, Anglesey Abbey is continuing their partnership with local Cambridge author Robert Macfarlane, and artist Jackie Morris, with themes from The Lost Words and The Lost Spells books threading throughout the experience, including projections, spoken word and music from The Lost Words Spells Songs, written in response to the books.
“Jackie and I are thrilled to see the art and poetry of The Lost Words and The Lost Spells find their way into the Anglesey Abbey gardens, as part of the annual Winter Lights festival, for the second year running. For me, it’s a home-coming of a kind for The Lost Spells, which was written just a few miles away, in my south Cambridge home. This year I can’t wait to see Jackie’s magical art projected at large-scale onto Anglesey Abbey itself.” says Robert Macfarlane.
Anglesey Abbey is also delighted to announce they will continue working with Pearce Hire and Eddie Barcan for the next three years, allowing the team to build on the previous year’s success and share more of the inspiring stories behind the nature, artists, performers and installations that feature at the event.
Eddie Barcan, Creative Producer at Splendid Events said: “We are continuing with our theme of ‘Nature by Night, Nature by Light’ to deliver a lighting trail like no other, combining a love of nature, delicacy and technology, with wow factors, to create an enchanting experience.
“It will reflect the beauty of the gardens as well as stimulate the senses and imagination. I’m particularly excited to be working more closely with The Lost Words, to bring to life some of Jackie Morris’s stunning illustrations. There will be glimpses of some of the elusive creatures who call Anglesey Abbey home, a natural soundscape, stunning projections, music and interactive elements.”
Award winning projectionist team, Ross Ashton and Karen Monid of The Projection Studio will be bringing their acclaimed visual and audio skills to the event. The projections will draw inspiration from the world class collection of books, silver, tapestries and paintings found at Anglesey Abbey. In addition, Gregory Ovenden from The Sound Farmer will be providing soundscapes for the trail, including mallard ducks taking flight and otters splashing. Enjoy live performances from Cambridge Folk Festival and Cambridge Jazz Festival, featuring the Cambridge Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Janet Jephcott, Experience and Visitor Programming Manager at Anglesey Abbey said: “We’ve been moving towards a nature theme for the event for a few years but in 2022 ‘Nature by Night, Nature by Light’ is front and centre of the experience, supported by inspiration from The Lost Words and The Lost Spells books. The event always sells out fast, and it’s brilliant to see our loyal community come back year after year. Through the magical setting of Anglesey Abbey gardens at night, and with a wealth of creative talent to ensure people have an experience to remember, we want to raise awareness of the nature found here and inspire others to be curious about and care for nature too.”
The Heritage Orchard will be the location for a range of talented independent street food vendors serving delicious, warming, food and drink to enjoy along the route, and the shop will be open late for those all-important Christmas presents.
As Anglesey Abbey’s biggest fundraiser of the year, every ticket bought for Winter Lights will help to care for the estate, so people and nature can thrive.
Tickets to Winter Lights must be pre-booked to ensure entry. Adult tickets £18.50, young person (18-25) tickets £16.50, child tickets £14.50, family tickets available from £44.50, carer tickets free.
For further information on the event please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/AAWinterLights
