Yesterday I visited the Magical Lantern Festival at Chiswick House and Gardens. This was to celebrate the year of the monkey for Chinese New Year. This is something quite different at this English heritage site. Nothing like this has ever been in the UK before. It is Europe's largest lantern festival. Over 50 giant hand-sculptured lanterns were dotted throughout the garden. Even though it was really cold the intricate lanterns were just so beautiful it, I did not mind being freezing!
The centre piece of the festival was a 66 metre dragon which is placed by the lake. There was also an animal kingdom where there were life-sized flamingos, zebras, kangaroos, elephants and pandas. It took around an hour and a half to walk around and gaze at the wonderful lit up lanterns. My favourite lanterns were most of the animal kingdom and the terracotta warriors, not as we know it, but it was covered in silk with metal frames. Not only were there animal lanterns and Chinese cultural heritage but there was a Cinderella scene with the horse and carriage and Prince charming on his knees to Cinderella. The colours used on the lanterns were so beautiful and vibrant we were all in awe.
This wonderful festival is a definite must see! But be quick, it's only on until next weekend!
Soraya x
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