Every year, scores of dedicated light trail fans book early to return to the popular light art displays at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, near Romsey.

“We love welcoming everybody who comes to Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, and it’s a real joy to see the same faces coming back year after year – they’re our Glow Getters, absolute connoisseurs of light art trails,” say Light Up Trails’ co-directors Libby Battaglia and Lucinda Croft.

“It’s a great family event every year – it starts off the Christmas celebrations,” says Christine Davies.

“Our favourite installation so far was the waterfall effect a couple of years ago when you walked up a hill on a bend and you could hear the event then suddenly you saw it – it was amazing!

“It’s fantastic seeing the children’s faces light up every year – they have a wonderful time. Each year it’s like they have never seen this before and the excitement is lovely to see. And the adults feel the same way – it’s great to bring the child in you back out!”

Jackie Wragg is another regular who loves to make an occasion of it.

“This is our annual family tradition – Granny’s treat!” she says. “Every moment is special and we make magical memories every year. It starts our festive season and we like to see what is new each year.

“My favourite installation so far were the big reindeers last year, which were all lit up, but we also like seeing our names in lights when we can add them (to Written in the Stars).”

Andy Mitchell and family will be back for the third year in a row…

“It changes every year so there is always a lovely new display, but it’s magical from the moment you walk through the lit arch,” he says.

“My favourite is seeing my grandchildren’s faces, but they like to see their names in lights, and there is a place to stop about halfway round with a great range of food and drink.

“It's our go-to every year, always the day before my daughter’s birthday in December. It is a good way to start the countdown to Christmas. I really cannot explain the magic you bring, thank you Light Up Trails.”

The Glow Getters are doubly excited this year as Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is set to return with a completely reinvented route in new themed zones and even bigger and better installations. Tickets are already selling fast with Peak and Off Peak prices remaining frozen at 2022 prices and more Off Peak slots than last year to make the event more accessible than ever.

Having made such an impression last year, the popular Super Peak Nights will be further enhanced by the fantastic characters and awesome fire performers of Steamship Circus adding an even more magical dimension to the light art.

Further highlights this year include the latest version of the world famous Rhizome installation by Belgian artist Bobolito&Co, a breathtaking, immersive light and sound sculpture inspired by the strands of nature that connect us all, and The Christmas Wish, a beautifully whimsical animated projection created by the boundary-pushing Double Take Projections for Jermyn’s House.

The all-new Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens 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 and to book tickets, visit https://www.lightuptrails.com