Over 3,500 tickets have been snapped up for Shugborough's
popular Candlelit Christmas Evenings more than two weeks ahead of
the event.
Every year the stately home tourist attraction, near Stafford,
is transformed into the nation's favourite candlelit, flower-filled
festive experience and this year's experience is set to be more
popular than ever.
In 2009, visitors will see the elegant Mansion House - home to
the late Patrick Lichfield - filled with fresh flowers carefully
crafted into exhilarating displays and complemented by the
flickering lights of hundreds of candles. Festive foliage taken
from the estate's 900 acres adorns roaring fireplaces while
enormous Christmas trees fill the grandest state rooms.
The Candlelit Christmas Evenings event is the only time visitors
can see the imposing 300-year-old cut glass chandelier in the Red
Drawing Room candlelit and is also the best time of year to admire
the state dining room table filled with festive fare and laid with
the striking family silver.
In the working servants' quarters maids will be busily preparing
for Christmas in the kitchen, laundry and brewhouse using
traditional Victorian equipment. The outside areas will be alive
with traditional entertainment from brass bands to carol singers
and there will also be snow showers, real reindeer, stilt walkers,
puppet shows and of course, Father Christmas.
A busy craft and fine food marquee will be set against the
backdrop of the striking mansion. Here craft workers, specialist
food sellers and stalls selling exclusive giftware will be
exhibiting.
The spectacular Shugborough Candlelit Christmas Evenings attract
up to 10,000 people a year and are open from December 2-5 from 5pm
until 9pm. People looking for a Christmas bargain night out can buy
heavily discounted advance tickets either online or by calling the
estate's ticket hotline on 0845 459 8900.
Ticket prices are adults £12 (£10 in advance),
concessions £9.50 (£7.50 in advance), child £7
(£5 in advance), family (two adults and up to three children)
£30 (£26 in advance) and a one adult and one child
family is £15 (£13 in advance). Under fives are
free.
In addition to the renowned candlelit evenings the estate is
also running two Santa at the farm weekends on12 and 13th and 19th
and 20th December.
To find out more visit www.shugborough.org.uk or telephone 01889
881 388.