This week I was very kindly invited to the launch of Lightopia Festival in Crystal Palace park. It’s their third year hosting a light trail and having been to their previous ones I have to say, this is their best one yet.
What is Lightopia Festival?
It is a light trail this winter that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy!
How do I get there?
Ok so having worked in Crystal Palace for many many years I can say the easiest way to get there is by train. When you come out of the station turn right immediately and you’ll be inside the park, from there take a left and you’ll end up at Canada Gate. There will then be signs to walk straight down to the light trail.
It’s really easy! If you do leave the station and turn left and walk the edge of the park, you’ll still get there but it’s a steep uphill walk – would not recommend!
Is it accessible?
Yes, the whole trail is completely accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. There is some uphill walking, particularly when you’ve finished the trail so wear comfy shoes.
What did I think?
Ok so, let me just say once again that I have been to Lightopia Festival before so I knew what to expect. If you have not been, then it’s important to note that the founder is Chinese so there are a lot of Chinese influences in some of the lights/artwork. There’s no real rhyme or reason when it comes to the lights and most of them are not even related to Christmas. With that being said, it is a nice day out. The lights will definitely bring a smile to your face.
I love that they’ve incorporated the Crystal Palace dinosaurs into the trail and lit them up with different coloured flood lighting. There are also moving and roaring dinosaurs which you can get close enough to touch!
Food and drink is available or you can opt for hot chocolate and fresh hot donuts which were also yummy. I’ve been told that local South London food and drink stalls will be on site throughout the run of Lightopia which is even better.
In comparison to their last one, this trail seems slightly more interactive which is always a good thing, I personally loved the adult sized xylophone which makes sounds as you jump on the buttons; but a lot of the lights are cordoned off so you can’t get too close to a lot of them.
Have a look at my Tik Tok below to get an idea of what to expect.
Would I recommend it?
It’s a really lovely day out…if you have zero expectations. The trail is spread out across a lot of the park so it is worth taking a trip for your whole evening. It is NOT a Christmas trail, despite the huge Christmas tree at the beginning, that seems to be pretty much where the festive-ness ends.
Personally I think £22.50 is still a little bit steep but Groupon actually has tickets available for you to buy them £15.60. Here is the link: https://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/gl-lightopia-london-2021
Thank me later x
Hello You
I’m Rosie!
