This was a wonderful surprise for Valentines Day. Anybody who knows me loves I love a good stroll through the park at any time of the day, but at night with magical lights? Well, that's hard to beat. Harry and I had previously visited out the Electric Gardens at the Botanics, which was wonderful, but this event is very different. It's been running longer, and because the park has such a unique landscape the light installations are quite different.
OK, so first thing's first... The logistics organisation was a complete shambles. Everything inside ran like a dream, but hell mend you if you were trying to get in. First, the tickets do not specify which entrance. Our bus let us off at the entrance by the car park. There were no signs to be had anywhere, and there were no stewards to direct you. The end result is stumbling around the park in the dark for many people (because there are no lights along most of the paths in the park so as not to disrupt the park's wildlife). Luckily Harry and I have pretty good night vision, but there were a lot of people struggling. We followed the sounds to get to the entrance. We FINALLY find where we're supposed to be, finally finding a steward, and we are directed outside the part to join an ENORMOUS line. Although everyone purchased their tickets for specific time slots, everyone was placed in the same line in no particular order alongside some people who were hoping to purchase entry on the gate. Our time slot was 7pm, but because of the struggle to get to the entrance and the huge line we were rather late gaining entry.
When we eventually gained entry, everything inside ran like a dream so we were able to forget 'The Struggle'. You start off at the boating pond, which had the centre island lit up so beautifully. There's magical, twinkly music everywhere to set the mood, and lots of lovely food vans dispensing tasty treats as you set upon your journey. From the boating pond, you set off on the Rouken Glen Walking Trail to continue your other-worldly journey. There are different light and sound installations at each section of your journey, each making the best use of Rouken Glen's unique layout, lighting up plant life, cliff faces, roaring waterfall. It's an experience that is very difficult to describe, but the best way I could express it is that it fills you with child-like wonder.
Unfortunately, if you aren't familiar with Rouken Glen park you'd have no prior warning, either by signage or on the tickets, to let you know that prams and buggies simply cannot go down the Walking Trail. It is pretty steep, and we saw a number of buggy users turn back from where the descent starts having seen only half or less of the light show and they seemed understandably annoyed. I saw one pram get down with the assistance of two other people, but that's not ideal.
This is a wonderful event... It could easily have been five stars, but because of the organisation hiccups I have to withhold one. Here's hoping it's all resolved for next year, and maybe I'll be able to give them that magical 5th star for their magical Garden. read more