Richard Walsh visits Hestercombe's remarkable Illuminate 2024

On the coldest night of the year so far it was very tempting to stay at home, but boy am I glad that I wrapped up warm and made the effort to go along to the opening night of ‘Illuminate 2024’ at Hestercombe Gardens..

This was a feast for the senses, in every way a spectacular event that enabled you to enjoy the shrubs and trees in the garden  in a completely different light.

From the moment you enter the gardens come to life to the accompaniment of strains of various suitable festive songs and music - it almost felt as though it was following me around.

I walked through an illuminated pergola before turning round to marvel at the waterfall tumbling from high above through ever changing lights.

Further along the walk the grass was dancing with lights like busy fireflies, and then the co-ordinated fountains in the lake started to shoot water high into the sky through the the rays of the coloured lights.

Walking further along and turning back into the lower garden the illuminated pyramids provided what I thought might be the finale, but how wrong I was.

The best was left until the end with the laser light show against the backdrop of Hestercombe House, for fully five minutes I was entranced and enchanted by the moving picture show before all too soon the illuminated part of the evening was over.

Before departing I stopped off to enjoy some suitably festive refreshments  and the wonderfully warm atmosphere at Hestercombe Gardens on a winter’s night.

Christmas may still be a long way off but ‘Illuminate 2024’ is surely going to be one of the highlights of Taunton’s festive calendar.

Tickets at https://www.hestercombe.com/whats-on/christmas-illuminations