A new festive lights trail is set to illuminate Peterborough’s historic Flag Fen for the first time this winter.
Tickets are now on sale for the Ancient Lights illuminations trail announced at Flag Fen Archaeology Park which will take you through the parkland, blending prehistoric surroundings with traditional Yuletide activities.
Light trails have become hugely popular at nearby stately homes, such as Anglesey Abbey and Belton House in recent years so it’s fantastic to now have one right on our doorstep. Our version will take families and visitors on a mystical festive journey and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors at Flag Fen.
The light trail, set within 20 acres of parkland, will feature a sparkling willow tree avenue, whilst the dry lake will come to life for the first time in 3000 years with a Bronze Age fishing boat out fishing eels!
The Bronze Age Round House will sparkle with hundreds of fairy lights and is decorated with traditional holly, ivy and mistletoe and a warming hearth fire burning within.
To add to the festive feel you’ll be able to warm up by Yule fires outside before continuing the journey across the bridge to the mysterious Wood Henge monument – magically appearing for Yuletide this year.
If you are taking the kids along make sure they keep their eyes peeled for Father Christmas along the way!
Hot chocolate, mulled wine and hot food will help keep you warm while you take in the stunning display in the pre-historic setting, served from the café and around the Yule fires.
The Ancient Lights Illuminations Trail kicks off Flag Fen’s first ever pre-Christmas Festival of Yule. Previously the popular family attraction has closed to visitors during the winter season, but under the new management of City Culture Peterborough it has exciting and ambitious plans.
Jacqui Mooney, General Manager of Flag Fen, said: “The light trail is the perfect way for families to kick-off the festive season, and allow Christmas and Flag Fen to be experienced in a memorable and breath-taking way.
“Flag Fen has always been a fantastic place for people to visit, but during winter it becomes extra special. The Ancient Lights Illuminations trail will really bring this to life and highlight the beauty and magic of its Bronze Age past.”
Flag Fen’s Ancient Lights Illuminations Trail starts on Friday December 10 with pre-booked sessions from 4.30pm to 7.30pm each day until Thursday December 16. Each slot will have limited spaces.
Children go free. Adult tickets cost £15. Car parking will cost £10 per vehicle.
The Ancient Lights Illumination Trail experience kicks-off Flag Fen’s pre-Christmas Festival of Yule running from December 18 to December 23. Activities will be taking place each day throughout the festival and include stories with Old Man Winter by the hearth in the Bronze Age Roundhouse (including a Yuletide gift for every child), festive crafting, Yule tree trail and seasonal eating, while young explorers can get stuck into a Big Christmas Dig to uncover festive items in the all-weather archaeological dig tent.
To find out more about Flag Fen’s festive events and to pre-book a place please visit: www.cityculturepeterborough.org.uk/flag-fen