‘Christmas at Kew’ returns for the festive season and its eleventh year to welcome visitors back inside its magical wonderland. Dating back to the 18th century, The Royal Botanic Gardens were officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003 boasting many iconic pieces of architecture, including the Princess of Wales Conservatory and the Palm House which have become synonymous with their image, along with the park’s wildlife, nurturing an impressive 50,000 living plants. This year’s never-seen-before installations marry light and music to transform the gardens nature illuminated in the night and is utterly magical.
From the moment you step onto the trail you are instantly immersed into the festive atmosphere with the grandeur of the first installation perfectly setting the tone for the evening. Titled ‘Sea of Light’ and commissioned by Ithaca Studio, this spellbinding production is physically impressive being composed of 8,000 individually controlled calls of light along with 400m of bespoke LED lit trees.’[1] The lights swirl around the onlookers, coil around the trees, and blanket the grass, all while rhythmically shifting through multicolours in time with hauntingly beautiful music. Additionally, the choice to showcase the display against the historic Palm House adds a magical touch, as the vibrant spiral seem to flow into the building, creating a whimsical and captivating visual effect.
The standout performance compelled me to audibly gasp at my friend ‘how have they done that?’ Suitably titled ‘Fish are Jumping’ the installation has onlookers watch from the bridge as small beads of light sporadically leap from the water, mimicking fish in motion. It premiered at Glow Eindhoven festival in the Netherlands and is described by its producer, Toer Studio as ‘An ode to the little simple surprises in life.’[2] This intimate display gives moment for pause within the theatricality of the exhibition, celebrating the stillness and wonder of the festive season.
Just when you start to lose yourself within this dazzling wonderland completely, you are struck by its dramatic finale. Set before the opposite side of the Palm House, a stunning light and water show takes centre-stage, commanding—and deserving—your full attention.
Different crowds gather to watch repeated rounds, huddled over the bridge as if at a live concert. Overall, ‘Christmas at Kew’ delivers a show that more than lives up to expectations, enchanting both adults and children alike, and has personally re-awoken my Christmas spirit.
Review by Olivia Kiakides
Featured Image : Christmas at Kew 2024. Credit – Ines Stuart Davidson-©-RBG-Kew-scaled
[1] https://ithaca.studio/2018/01/15/sea-of-light/
[2] https://studiotoer.com/fisharejumping/
For tickets and information visit Christmas at Kew | Kew
