Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House: stunning displays light up grounds for Chinese New Year

The breathtaking lanterns return for another year
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David Ellis @dvh_ellis25 January 2017

The gardens at Chiswick House are set to once again be lit up by an extraordinary array of colourful lanterns and sculptures.

From January 19 until February 26, the gardens will be hosting the Magical Lantern Festival, which celebrate the Chinese New Year. 2017 is the year of the Rooster.

Spread out over 65 acres of the Chiswick House site, there will be more than 50 illuminated lanterns, many of which can be seen in the gallery above.

For the most part, they are fashioned as animals, and include peacocks, tigers, crocodiles and elephants. However, in keeping with this year’s theme – The Silk Road – there will be a full-size replica of the ship that Chinese Admiral Zheng used on his trade explorations. Elsewhere, there will be a 15-metre illuminated sculpture of the Houses of Parliament.

Besides the beautiful displays, some of which are interactive and most of which are accompanied by music and theatre, will be an ice rink and funfair.

Weli Creative’s David Lee and Ian Xiang of Weli Creative, who are behind the festival, said: “We were absolutely delighted to see London’s extremely enthusiastic response to this important Chinese tradition last year and were keen to make it an annual event for the UK.

“Beautiful Chiswick House Gardens is the perfect backdrop for the Lantern Festival, providing a stunning location and canvas

The festival is open Thursday to Sunday 5pm to 10pm, with last entry at 9pm. Details of tickets and more information can be found at magicallantern.uk.

Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis

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