Dancing fountains at Brodsworth, 23rd October - 1st November 2009
(Gardenzine news item: October 2009)
Illuminated dancing fountains are set to add to the sublime spectacle that is the Enchanted Garden at Brodsworth Hall
The Enchanted Garden allows visitors to see the restored Victorian garden in a whole new light – quite literally! Normally closed to the public well before dusk, the gardens are re-opened as night falls, with paths and features awash with light and colour. Visitors wander around the gardens, enjoying a surprise around every corner, whilst classical music plays subtly in the background.
"This is an event which has grown in popularity hugely over the last three years, with people returning year after year " and even for more than one visit during the ten days of the event, bringing different friends with them each time they come," comments Jon Hogan, who co-ordinates the
lighting plan. "Brodsworth’s own fountain always looks beautiful when
it is illuminated, so adding a dancing water feature into the event was a natural addition to the displays, located across the rear of the house."
One of the key reasons why Brodsworth’s Enchanted Garden has been so successful is that it complements perfectly the Victorian love of ‘reveal’ that daytime visitors to the garden experience. "The idea behind a promenade around a Victorian garden is that there is a ‘reveal’ around every corner, with hedges and hard landscaping clearly delineating the different parts of the garden, from the formal gardens to the fern dell, and the rose gardens to the arbour walk amongst the grapevines. By cleverly positioning the lights around the grounds, we can add an extra dimension to the ‘reveal’, with breathtaking displays all around the property," adds marketing manager, Nicola Bexon.
Over the last three years, the Enchanted Garden has proved popular to people of all age groups and interests, from very young children who are dazzled by the lights and intrigued by the fairy voices which can be heard in various parts of the gardens, to parents and grandparents who enjoy the display as a stunning yet peaceful autumnal event – and a wonderful alternative to firework displays for those who do not like loud bangs!
This year, even more than previous years, English Heritage has been able to take advantage of the latest advances in LED technology to create spectacular new lighting effects, whilst minimising the use of power.
The event, which is sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, runs from 6.30pm to 9.00pm (last admissions at 8.30pm) daily from Friday 23 October to Sunday 1 November 2009. Admission prices are:
Advance tickets: £6.50 for adults, £5.50 for concessions and £5.00 for children. English Heritage Members £5.00/ £4.00/ £3.50 On the Night tickets: £7.50/£6.50/£6.00. EH Members £6.00/ £5.00/ £4.50
Tickets available in advance from Customer Services on 0870 333 1183 or in person from the site. Queue-busting pre-booked tickets are strongly recommended, as queues can be quite long. For information please contact Brodsworth Hall on 01302 722598.
Brodsworth Hall is located near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, a short drive from Junction 37 of the A1(M), off the A635 Barnsley Road.
One of the key reasons why Brodsworth’s Enchanted Garden has been so successful is that it complements perfectly the Victorian love of ‘reveal’ that daytime visitors to the garden experience. "The idea behind a promenade around a Victorian garden is that there is a ‘reveal’ around every corner, with hedges and hard landscaping clearly delineating the different parts of the garden, from the formal gardens to the fern dell, and the rose gardens to the arbour walk amongst the grapevines. By cleverly positioning the lights around the grounds, we can add an extra dimension to the ‘reveal’, with breathtaking displays all around the property," adds marketing manager, Nicola Bexon.
