Christmas at Wollaton
in terms of the speed of entry and queue management . QR codes have been introduced at the entry gates , providing attendees with a map of the trail that shows the locations of food and beverage providers .
Other updates include three additional sessions times to spread out the arrivals and give a more “ comfortable flow ” at entrances . An additional gate has also been opened with the aim of spreading out visitors and reducing congestion . The number of stewards has also been increased .
Meanwhile , some 400 miles away , Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh ( RBGE ) will host its Christmas At The Botanics , which Culture Creative senior producer Emma Henderson describes as a magical event .
“ We were pleased to have been able to open during 2020 to visitors from Edinburgh ,” she says , “ but this year will be particularly special as we can welcome visitors from across Scotland and beyond .”
Christmas At The Botanics will include several new installations this year , including Digital Rain , an installation by Bespoke Lighting and Video that will feature LED pixels that “ rain down ” on those below . Fireflies in the Woods , an installation by new supplier Electric Foundry , will contain 100 points of light that “ twist through trees ”.
To meet current Scottish Government guidelines , reduced capacities and a one-way system will be in place at the event , and customers will be asked to wear face masks in indoor spaces . As for ticket sales , Henderson says she is pleased with the response from the public ahead of its opening on 25 November .
London Southbank ’ s Winter Festival is returning this year and will include a Winter Light exhibition , free public events , and the Winter Market featuring activities and pop-up food stalls . The Winter Market will take place on a smaller scale than usual , with 15 traders and four pop-up bars and restaurants to allow for social distancing measures .
The festival will include performances at Southbank Centre ’ s three indoor venues , including Circus 1903 at Royal Festival Hall , Bring It On in the Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Tiger Lillies ’ Christmas Carol in the Purcell Room .
Meanwhile , the Southbank ’ s 4,000-square-foot outdoor venue Between The Bridges on Queen ’ s Walk will host Winterella . Between
The Bridges was launched by Field Day ( cap . 25,000 ) co-founder Marcus Weedon , whose team produces festivals , including the 25,000-capacity Mighty Hoopla and Cross The Tracks ( 15,000 ).
Winterella , which is being run by Weedon in collaboration with Peppermint Bars and Events will run from 11 November featuring an on-site pub with entertainment , including live DJs , drag karaoke , Bongo ’ s Bingo parties and music quizzes . The team at London ’ s Clapham Grand will take over its Spiegeltent venue with cabaret , drag and comedy shows , while other entertainment includes a minigolf course and heated snowglobes .
Peppermint co-founder Adam Hempenstall says , “ Winterella is the metamorphosis of our summer Between The Bridges event that ’ s been a huge success .”
While concerns remain about whether the Government will turn to its Plan B in response to a spike in Covid-19 cases , which could see vaccine passports and masks mandated , the industry has already proven incredibly adaptable during the pandemic and is well placed to bring Christmas cheer to the masses no matter the obstacles .
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