Arty pupils at a Hampshire school are top of the class after the Art department landed a £1,000 prize in the annual Schools’ Challenge set by Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens… for the second year running.

Noadswood School in Dibden Purlieu won the ‘grand’ prize as student Freya Lamb’s design was selected as the winning entry and featured on illuminated baubles as part of the multi award-winning light trail at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey.

Noadswood student Abigail Little came third and also secured a runner up prize of family tickets, as did runners up Millie Elgar and Isabelle Deverill West.

“We received thousands of entries and the standard was very high, but the artworks by Freya and Abilgail really stood out, showcasing their incredible talent and creativity,” said Light Up Trails’ co-directors Libby Battaglia and Lucinda Croft.

The art prize funded new photography equipment for the school, as well as gelli plates for a project based on abstract landscapes, and paint for students to get involved with the Jurassic Furzey event at Furzey Gardens, a woodland garden and cafe at instead operating in support of those with learning disabilities. A dinosaur painted at Noadswood was among the artworks featured on a special prehistoric trail this summer before being auctioned.

Noadswood Headteacher, Kathryn Marshall, said: “We love the Light Up Trails at Hillier Gardens, and we are so proud of our students’ success in the competition. It means the world when we find our talented artists’ work as we explore the beautiful light displays.”

Back for 2025 with a completely reinvented route in new themed zones and even bigger and better installations, tickets are already selling fast for Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens with Peak and Off Peak prices remaining frozen at 2022 prices.

The all-new light art trail will be open from Thursday, 27 November until Saturday 3 January with more magic and sparkle than ever before as well as an updated food and drinks menu.

For more about Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas and to book tickets, visit https://www.lightuptrails.com
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