Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum

21 December – It’s time for Enchanted Christmas 2008 at Westonbirt Arboretum, when one of Gloucestershire's most popular attractions will be pulling out all the festive stops, once again this year.

With an enchanted wood, choirs and carols, Christmas shopping, seasonal dining and an appearance from Father Christmas himself, 2008’s Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum is sure to be a festive favourite with the whole family.

Visitors will be able to take the famous one-mile Enchanted Wood walk through the arboretum, enjoying the beauty of the towering trees lit by thousands of eco-friendly festive lights, complete with special effects, once again in November and December 2008.

Switched on for the first time at 4pm on Friday 28 November 2008 by Father Christmas, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening until Sunday 21 December 2008 will see Westonbirt’s Enchanted Wood sparkling with a four seasons theme – with the glowing colours of autumn, icy winter and a kaleidoscope of spring and summer colours, all making for a dazzling spectacle.

Not only will Santa be greeting visitors of all ages as part of The Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum, but there will also be a number of choir and carol evenings scheduled, providing the chance to soak up both traditional and modern seasonal music, performed by the Stroud Choral Society, Oaksey Church choir and the Bristol Voices choir.

Visitors will also be tempted with hot and cold food including roast chestnuts, mince pies and mulled wine at Westonbirt Arboretum’s special stalls, and the Maples Restaurant will be serving a Christmas carvery. Plus, there will also be an array of festive goodies including clothes, sweets and decorations available in the Forest Shop.

And as if that wasn’t enough festive cheer for one family outing, Westonbirt Arboretum’s Plant Centre will also be offering a selection of real Christmas trees and decorations, including potted trees and cut trees from sustainable sources daily from Monday 1 December 2008, between 10am and 5pm.

Simon Hough, Westonbirt Arboretum’s Events Manager, said: ‘Christmas is a very special time at Westonbirt, and people come from far and wide to see the wonderful trees in a new light. It’s a unique and magical way to welcome in the season.’

While Westonbirt Arboretum is already one of Gloucestershire’s most popular family attractions all year round – boasting one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world – this Christmas the arboretum’s special festive season of treats is not to be missed.

Event: Enchanted Christmas 2008
Venue: Westonbirt Arboretum
Dates: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, from Friday 28 November to Sunday 21 December 2008
Times: From 5pm to 8.30pm, with last entry at 7.15pm
Tickets: Cost £7 for adults, £6 for concessions and £3 for children under 18 – including car parking. Call Westonbirt Arboretum on (01666) 880220 or visit forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt for more information.

SoGlos.com
22 October 2008