Press Release

Christmas at Wakehurst Place

Always get your Christmas lights in a tangle? Well spare a thought for the team decorating the UK's biggest Christmas tree!

The 35 metre highl tree at Wakehurst Place , Kew's country garden at Ardingly, West Sussex , has become a well known landmark.

Festooned with 1,800 lights – which have to be rigged up by specialist tree climbers – the tree can be seen for miles around. Gatwick pilots say it is also clearly visible from the air.

The tree is the focal point of range of Christmas celebrations at Wakehurst Place:

Switching on the Christmas lights

December 1

The lights on the UK's biggest Christmas tree will be switched on at 5pm, by BBC TV South East's Beverley Thomson. The tree, a giant redwood, or Sequoiadendron giganteum, will be lit up until January 5. This Christmas people can sponsor a light bulb on the tree for £10, as a unique gift, greeting or commemoration, ring 01444 894035 for more details.

There will a chance to do some relaxed late night shopping in Wakehurst's gift shop and enjoy tasty treats in the restaurant.

Christmas Trees

From December 1

Christmas trees grown on the Wakehurst estate will be on sale in the plant centre from December 1. A wide selection of types and sizes will be available.

Beat the Hassle

December 1, 7 and 8

Enjoy inspiring, stress-free Christmas shopping in Wakehurst's gift shop which will be open until 7.30pm for gifts galore, foods, decorations, and cards.

Festive Food

December 1 to 16

Enjoy a special two-course Christmas meal in the Stables restaurant, no need to book.

December 17 to 23

Bookable Christmas lunches, telephone 01444 894040.

Carols

December 15

Get into the spirit of Christmas by joining local choirs and the Salvation Army band for a popular air carol evening under the Christmas tree at 7pm. Seasonal food and drink will be available.

Throughout the winter there is plenty to enjoy at Wakehurst. With stunning views, winter flowering shrubs, spectacular heathers and woodland vistas it is the perfect place to enjoy a crisp winter walk. There is also the opportunity to take a closer look at the pioneering work of the Millennium Seed Bank Project, based at Wakehurst, where scientists are safeguarding plants from around the world from the threat of extinction.

Wakehurst Place , at Ardingly, four miles north of Haywards Heath is open daily, from 10am, every day except December 24 and 25. Tel 01444 890466 www.kew.org

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MEDIA enquiries to Andy Jackson 01444 894054 or 01444 894067.

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