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Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
@Maxximum23Clark
2:27 AM 5th October 2020
lifestyle

Wish Upon A Frozen Star At Castle Howard This Christmas

 
Bolder and brighter than ever, ‘Christmas at Castle Howard’ is set to inspire visitors with a brand-new outdoor concept for this year’s festive event, in partnership with world-class, award-winning illuminated projection specialists, ‘The Projection Studio’.

‘Wish Upon a Frozen Star’ is an epic light and sound extravaganza, transforming the grounds of the Estate into a Winter Wonderland. An immersive experience to delight all age groups, that journeys into the realms of festive folklore, magic and mystery.

Jack Frost has cast his icy spell over The Walled Gardens, turning them into an enchanted, frozen Winter Kingdom. As the narrative unfolds, Christmas beckons, yet only a wish granted under the canopy of Yorkshire’s star-lit skies has the power to thaw Jack’s icy grip, revealing the golden glow of Yuletide with cheerful fireside scenes, sparkling Christmas trees, dancing and merriment… and of course, the anticipation of Father Christmas’ arrival on Christmas Day.

Atmospheric, imaginative and engaging, light projections and soundscapes are inspired by icons and symbolism from Castle Howard’s centuries old heritage, midwinter myths and familiar festive customs. The route has some interactive surprises and live action along the way, leading visitors from the courtyard, into the frost-stricken Rose Gardens, along the Lime Tree Avenue, and towards the Atlas Fountain, at which point the climax of the experience is an animated light show, projected onto the South façade of the House itself, revealing the spirit of Christmas.

The creative masterminds behind this epic event, are Ross Ashton & Karen Monid. Ross is an acclaimed projection designer, whose work is known to be exhilarating and thought provoking. Karen is an audio artist and designer; whose layers of sounds enrich the whole sensory experience.
Their creations have included globally important heritage, sporting, commercial and cultural events, including ‘Northern Lights’ at York Minster, The Royal Military Edinburgh Tattoo, London 2012 Olympics, and has even secured two Guinness World Records.

‘Wish Upon a Frozen Star’ will run from 28th November (with an exclusive preview evening for Friends of Castle Howard on Friday 27th November) until 31st December (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Tickets for the event are now on sale to the public (see website for full details on how to book) priced £21 - £17 adults and £15 - £12 per child

‘Early Bird Booking Offer’ – Book on, or before, Weds 21st Oct to receive a £2 discount per person (applies to full price and members’ price tickets too)

Friends of Castle Howard enjoy an exclusive showing at 4pm each day, as well as discounted tickets on all days, and a 48-hour pre-sale ticket availability – for details on becoming a ‘Friend’, please see thewebsite.

Two early evening ‘relaxed’ sessions are dedicated to visitors who may not benefit from it being completely dark, BSL interpretation and lower sound levels, 9th and 10th December at 3pm - please see our website for more information on these specific dates.

Kindly note that pre-booking is essential and that the event attendance numbers and staggering the journey via the prescribed route will be carefully managed to protect visitor and staff wellbeing (For our Covid safety measures and guidelines, please see website)

Car parking for the evening light show event will be £5 in the Visitor Car Park, with free parking for Friends of Castle Howard,

For more information, please visit www.castlehoward.co.uk