After a successful debut in 2021, a Christmas trail returns to Kenwood House with spectacular lighting effects illuminating the historic grounds accompanied by an atmospheric soundscape.
Designer Stephen Page offers a sneak preview of this year's 'breathing bushes', 'astral avenue' and 'organic oscillation'.
Q: What's new and different for 2022?
A: Building on the success of last year we’ve revamped the route and devised lots of new installations whilst retaining some favourites from 2021. Without giving too much away, visitors can expect to encounter a huge Christmas Tree, a colourful Rainbow Walkway, sparkling stars, some beautiful wintery wildlife, multiple mirror balls and a 90metre tunnel of light.
Q: What's special about Kenwood that you trail will enhance?
A: Kenwood House and grounds are a magnificent setting and its really great that we have the opportunity to work in such a beautiful and iconic space. Hopefully our event will encourage new visitors to discover what an amazing place Kenwood is, as well as allowing existing fans to look at familiar spaces in new contexts.
Q: How many LEDS are you using and how long it will take to lay the trail?
A: It takes a huge effort leading up to the event to get everything ready for opening night. Just installing the lighting on-site requires about 300 technician days working over 3-4 weeks, and there’s months of planning to get to that point. The Tunnel of light alone has more than 30,000 individual leds, so there should be comfortably more than 100,000 across the whole site. I’ve not counted them all, and we always end up adding more to make the experience a perfect as possible.
Q: How early in the year do you start thinking about Christmas?
A: We pretty much think about Christmas the whole year around, from a lighting perspective at least! We’re always thinking of new ideas and planning what we might do next year. It’s a real privilege to be involved with such a popular event that’s enjoyed by so many. We love that we’re creating shared experiences for our visitors, and helping people come together to enjoy their Christmas in such a beautiful place.
Christmas at Kenwood runs December 2 until January 1. 4.30pm-9pm daily. Adult tickets £32.45. Children £24.75. https://christmasatkenwood.com/
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