The 66-metre Chinese Dragon is one of the highlights of the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House & Gardens

Last weekend, I visited the Magical Lantern Festival, a month-long festival of lights to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Open after dark (obviously!), you are taken on 90 minute trail around the landscaped grounds of Chiswick House and Gardens, which have been transformed into an explosion of light and art. The installations were shaped in a variety of animals, shapes and sizes, with one of the highlights being the 66-metre Chinese Dragon. I particularly loved the animal kingdom, which looked like a neon safari. While admittedly it was very cold on the night in question, there were food and drink stalls along the way, serving hot toddies and toasted marshmallows to help warm you up. The festival is only on until the 6 March 2016, so I thoroughly recommend you get down and check it out. Here’s just a few of my photos from the night…

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• The Magical Lantern Festival runs from 3 February to 6 March 2016 at Chiswick House Gardens, Chiswick, W4 2QN. Nearest stations: Turnham Green and Gunnersbury. Open Tuesday-Sunday 5-10.30pm. Tickets (ticketed entry every 15 mins from 5-8.45pm): Adults £16 (online), £18 (on the door). Child £10 (advance), £12 (on the door). Family £56. Please note, camera tripods aren’t allowed. For booking and more information, visit the Magical Lantern UK website.

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