Bexley’s Hall Place Hosts First Winter Light Trail ‘Alice and Queen’s Beasts’

Key Points

• Bexley’s inaugural seasonal family light trail, ‘Alice and the Queen’s Beasts,’ takes place at Hall Place and Gardens from 13 to 16 November.
• The illuminated trail is inspired by the classic Alice in Wonderland story.
• Families can enjoy glowing creatures, giant flowers, and whimsical characters throughout the historic gardens.
• The event is produced in partnership with national arts organisation Same Sky.
• It is part of Night Visions, a borough-wide light and creativity celebration funded by a £100,000 Arts Council England National Lottery Project Grant.
• Councillor Cafer Munur encourages families to attend and experience the winter magic.
• Same Sky’s general manager, Robert Batson, praised the project and its local collaborations as one of their best works.
• Visitors can enjoy food and drink at the Riverside Café and browse the Farmers Market after the trail.
• Tickets are on sale via the Hall Place website.

What is Bexley’s first winter light trail about?

As reported by local journalists, Bexley is hosting its first ever seasonal family light trail at the prestigious Hall Place and Gardens. Running from 13 to 16 November, the event is named ‘Alice and the Queen’s Beasts’ and draws inspiration from the much-loved story, Alice in Wonderland.

Children and families are invited to follow Alice’s journey through the gardens, encountering magical glowing creatures, oversized flowers, and whimsical characters that bring the classic tale to life in an immersive and colourful spectacle. This inventive trail offers visitors an evening of wonder, creativity, and seasonal charm.

Who created the ‘Alice and the Queen’s Beasts’ trail?

According to Robert Batson, general manager of Same Sky, the national arts organisation behind the trail, the project is a collaboration aimed at producing imaginative light installations rooted in local culture and history. Batson told The Guardian,

“Hall Place has given us a fantastic opportunity to bring some of our most imaginative ideas to life. The grounds and history have provided a wealth of inspiration.”

Same Sky is known for large-scale productions such as Glow Wild at Wakehurst and royal celebrations but has recently shifted towards more grassroots projects in the Kent and London boroughs area. Batson added that this installation

“is already one of our favourite installations in recent years and will be a real highlight of our calendar.”

What role does the council play in the event?

Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, welcomed the initiative in a statement to the Bexley Times, saying:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy something truly special together. The trail brings a little extra magic to Bexley this winter — it’s creative, fun, and full of wonder. I’d encourage everyone to wrap up warm and come along to experience the magic for yourself.”

Munur’s remarks reflect the council’s support of cultural and community events that promote local engagement and provide festive family-friendly activities in the borough.

How is the event funded and what is its wider cultural significance?

The trail is part of Night Visions, a borough-wide celebration showcasing light and creativity throughout Bexley. The initiative has been made possible by a significant investment of £100,000 awarded through Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grants, as noted by Arts Council representatives in a press release.

Night Visions aims to enrich the local arts scene while drawing residents and visitors alike to outdoor cultural experiences during the darker evenings of the year. ‘Alice and the Queen’s Beasts’ marks an important milestone as Bexley’s first foray into large-scale illuminated trails.

What additional activities are available during the event?

Once visitors complete their stroll through the illuminated trail, they can warm up and enjoy hot food and beverages at the Riverside Café, which will remain open following the evening experience. Moreover, the Farmers Market will be available at the end of the trail, offering a variety of local produce and crafts.

As covered by local news outlets including the Bexley Gazette, this combination of entertainment and refreshment options makes the event a complete evening out for families and community members.

How and where can tickets be purchased?

Tickets for the ‘Alice and the Queen’s Beasts’ trail are currently on sale. Interested visitors can secure their place for this “glowing adventure” via the official Hall Place website. Early booking is encouraged due to limited availability over the four days of the event.