A whole host of events are set to take place across Lydiard Park this festive season.
The historic Swindon Borough Council-owned country estate is marking the start of its winter events programme with the return of the Lydiard Park Christmas lights switch-on later this month.
The big event itself, the lights switch-on, takes place on Friday, 29 November from 4.30pm to 6pm. Visitors to the free event will be treated to a performance by the Aldbourne Brass Band as they perform Christmas favourites against the backdrop of Lydiard House before the 60-metre tree is illuminated.
Festive treats and drinks will also be available to buy throughout the event.
From Wednesday, 4 December, the elegant State Rooms of Lydiard House will be adorned with traditional foliage and a beautiful Christmas tree decorated with handmade decorations and a kissing ball.
Beautiful arrangements created by the Royal Wootton Bassett Flower Club will add splendour to the mantlepieces and doorways throughout the House. Visitors are invited to experience the decorated halls with a special festive guided tour of Lydiard House with cream tea – available on selected Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout December. Tickets cost £20 per person and need to be booked in advance.
Self-guided visits to A Country House Christmas at Lydiard House Museum are also available during opening hours. Tickets can be purchased from Lydiard House on the day. Admission costs £6.30 for an adult and £3.45 for a child (under threes go free). Family tickets are also available.
St Mary’s Church within Lydiard Park is continuing a long-established celebration of the Yuletide season by hosting its annual Carols by Candlelight service on 10 and 17 December. Visitors are invited to experience traditional carols and the reading of festive favourites against the backdrop of a thousand years of history. Following the service, a delightful cream tea will be served. Tickets cost £18 and need to be booked in advance.
Within the newly-refurbished Lydiard Park Hotel, preparations are being made to hold scores of Christmas parties. Tickets cost £55 per person, which includes a drink on arrival, a delicious three-course dinner and disco. Smaller groups are invited to join the hotel’s popular group party nights.
Families looking to enjoy a winter walk at Lydiard Park on Boxing Day are in for another treat. Delicious Boxing Day Butties will be available from The Palm Bar & Restaurant at Lydiard Park Hotel. Choose from a mouth-watering selection of meats, including braised lamb, turkey and pulled beef. The sandwiches will be served with a side salad and an irresistible dipping gravy. Equally delicious vegetarian and vegan options will also be on offer.
For those looking to ring in 2025 in style, Lydiard Park Hotel is also holding a luxurious New Year’s Eve Party. Enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival and an exquisite three-course dinner before dancing the night away with friends and family. When the clock strikes 12, guests will toast to the arrival of the New Year.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “Lydiard Park and the House are the perfect backdrop for a Christmas visit – elegant, stately and picturesque. I’m thrilled that this year we have more events taking place across the park, museum, and hotel.
“The house and grounds are an iconic part of Swindon’s history as well as offering that traditional sense of Christmassy festivity. We are so lucky that the people of Swindon still own this unique place.
“There’s lots going on this year both at Lydiard and across Swindon, and I can’t wait to see everyone enjoying themselves.”
For more information, and to book, visit: www.lydiardpark.org.uk/events/
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