thursford enchanted journey of light norfolk

Christmas Spectacular tickets DO NOT include entrance into Santa’s Magical Journey or the Enchanted Journey of Light.

2024 on sale! Essential carer tickets are available and can only be booked over the phone on 01328878477. Proof of eligibility will be required.

Please note our Tea & Tour and Steam Tour events have now sold out for 2024. Private tours of groups of 25+ people can still be booked. Please call 01328 878477 to find out more.

Enchanted Journey Of Light 

New displays added in 2023. Now with over 1000 lanterns!

When twilight falls, the magic begins!

Thursford’s enchanted journey of light.

The Enchanted Journey of Light will go on sale in early summer 2024. Sign up for Marketing Alerts to be notified of sale dates.

For all ages

**Father Christmas is NOT at this event**

** If you want to do the Enchanted Journey and see Father Christmas please book through our Santa’s Magical Journey Page

The fading light of the Winter’s sun, starts the magic of Thursford. Your journey will progress into the Fantasyland Building, as you travel past the penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears! Get ready to see how the elves have loaded Santa’s sleigh, then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory using the wondrous wrapping machine!

Throughout your journey you’ll meet lots of fantasy land characters including the snowman family, make sure you watch out for their snowballs!

Your journey continues as you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, with lots of creatures to marvel at – a beautiful ,  breath-taking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole. Watch out for the naughty mushroom gnomes!

Outside bar, food and Funfair

*Funfair rides are not included in the price and cannot be visited independently of the Enchanted Journey of Light.  Opening hours vary.

THE GALLERY

How to book

The Enchanted Journey of Light goes on sale in early summer 2024

If you want to do the Enchanted Journey and see Father Christmas please book through our Santa’s Magical Journey Page.

Those who needing an essential carer to accompany them, please check our Access Statement for eligibility criteria: https://www.thursford.com/access-statement/ and then call the Box Office on 01328 878477.

Christmas Spectacular ticket holders wishing to visit the Enchanted Journey of Light please see Access to the Enchanted Journey of Light 2023 on our Christmas pages.

Ticket prices

Ticket prices are £22 for Adults and Children

Ages 2 and under Free

Please note, complimentary tickets for the Thursford Collection cannot be used for this event. 

For those who require an essential carer to accompany them, please check our Access Statement for eligibility criteria: https://www.thursford.com/access-statement/

Opening times

Opening times are from 15:15 on days when Santa’s Magical Journey isn’t running. 

When Santa’s Magical Journey is running times start from 17:15

Opening days

Dates for 2024 to be confirmed

FAQS FOR ENCHANTED JOURNEY OF LIGHT  

The Enchanted Journey of Light

  You enter the Fantasy Land building and walk along Christmassy scenes of polar bears and magical figures, of elves at work in Santa’s grotto, to the present wrapping machine. There is an opportunity to pause and grab a bite to eat in the Fantasy Land cafeteria, before going outdoors to the top meadow to see our Lantern Light Extravaganza, which is even bigger each year.

After this you might wish to stop at the Funfair (rides are not included in the price of the Enchanted Journey ticket and is run independently of Thursford)

  Accessibility

Thursford is fully accessible; for full details see our Access Statement here .

• There is no maximum age for the Enchanted Journey of Light.
• Children aged 2 and under enter free of charge but must have a ticket booked for them.

Armed Forces Covenant

Thursford Enterprises are signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant, as such we offer regulars, reservists, veterans and their immediate military families the following:

A 10% discount on The Christmas Spectacular, Enchanted Journey of Light and Santa’s Magical Journey.

Eligibility : The discounted tickets for all events must be booked via the Box Office on 01328 878477, our phonelines are open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:00.

If the tickets are booked on line, we are sorry, but we cannot add the discount.

To confirm eligibility for the 10% discount, Thursford will need to receive a copy of the Defence Discount Service card at the time of booking (Christmas Spectacular, Santa’s Magical Journey & the Enchanted Journey of Light)

In the event of cancellation

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, in the event the service person is posted at short notice either overseas or to an area outside the service provision we will refund the tickets if necessary. This is providing we are informed as soon as you are notified of any change of circumstances (so that we have an opportunity to resell the tickets).

Prior to giving any refund we will need evidence of the posting and will accept the original call up letter with any sensitive information blocked out.

N.B By ‘Immediate’ we mean card holder, their partner and children. 

• Please be sure to turn up at the time printed on your ticket , latecomers cannot be guaranteed entry.
• When you arrive at the event your tickets will be checked, so please have them ready.
• Tickets can be purchased here.
• Tickets cannot be bought on the day, please follow the link above to book online.
• Adding an extra ticket – we can always add an extra ticket to an existing booking, please call the Box Office on 01328 878477 as this cannot be done online. We will need to refer to your original booking so please have the booking reference number handy.

Booking On Line / Web Account

• Existing account : If you are an existing user, go into But Tickets click on the blue figure in the top right-hand corner, enter your e mail address and password.
• New Account : If you are a new customer select your tickets etc and then enter your details in the boxes then at the bottom of the page, click on Register.
• Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, go into Book Online, click on the blue person, you can reset your password via the pop-up box. Click on this link to reset your password . Once the link comes though, ignore the code box and enter a new password twice, click Continue, enter the new password again and then click on Log in.
• Your password should be made up of letters and numbers and whilst there is no requirement to include a symbol, the following are accepted:   @ $ ! – % _* # ? &
• XCover also known as refund protection covers your tickets so you can apply for a refund should you or anyone in your party be unable to attend the event (subject to Terms & Conditions being fulfilled).
• Refund protection is provided via a third-party company called XCover.com .
• Refund protection must be added at the time of booking and cannot be added once the booking has been paid.
• There is a 14-day cooling off period for this cover, so if you decide within the 14 days that the cover it is not for you, please call the Office on 01328 878477 and we will refund the payment to the original card.
• Outside this time frame we cannot action any refunds for the cover. For full Terms & Conditions or to make a claim please click here .

  Cancellation

• Tickets to the event are advertised and sold as non-refundable and non-transferable, you agree to this at the time of booking. Follow the link to see the Terms & Conditions of sale.
• We suggest that you purchase refund protection provided by XCover at the time of booking to cover you in the event of unforeseen circumstances, see their Terms & Conditions here . Note that this cover cannot be added after the booking has been confirmed.

Collection Rides / Fun Fair

The Collection’s vintage rides (Carousel & Gondola) will not be running for the event. However, we will have a Funfair for 2023 (please note this is run independently of Thursford and the cost of attractions and rides are not included in the price of your ticket). The Funfair will be open on selected days from the 19 th November. We do not offer any alternative / compensation if this is not available on the day of your visit.

  Complaints

If you do have any complaints, please let us know on the day, there is always a manager on duty who can help. We would much rather that any issues are resolved on the day and both you and the children leave Thursford happy.

• We have three catering facilities including the cafeteria in the Fantasy Land building which will be open. The cafeteria closes between 30 minutes and an hour after the last entry (this is dependent on demand).
• We do not take any table reservations for our catering outlets as they are provided on a first come first serve basis. That said, you are highly likely to get a bite to eat as we are used to a high turnover of customers.
• Special diets, we cater for gluten free, nut allergies, vegan etc. Please phone our office on 01328 878 477 to find out more.
• Bringing your own food, we are s orry, but this is not possible, customers cannot consume their own food anywhere on the complex. An exception will be made for severe allergies and for other medical purposes providing it is agreed with a member of office staff prior to your visit. Please contact the office on 01328 878477 where we will be happy to assist.

It very much depends on you, but we would suggest that it takes approximately 1 – 1.5 hours to complete.

• The time slot that you have booked is the time that you must turn up to start the Enchanted Journey of Light. I f you fail to turn up on time, we cannot guarantee entry.
• If you think you will be delayed, please call the Box Office so we can inform the team.

Essential Carers

• At the time of booking  essential carers  are entitled to a carer’s ticket where they are accompanying a person buying a ticket, this is subject to availability and eligibility criteria, see following:
• Attendance Allowance
• Carer’s Allowance
• PIPs/DLA at the higher / enhanced mobility rate
• Blind Person’s Registration
• Armed Forces Independence Payment
• CredAbility’s Access Card with +1 symbol
• These tickets can only be booked by calling the Box Office on 01328 878477.
• If tickets are not booked via the Box Office essential carer discounts will not be added retrospectively.
• We are well sign posted. Located 1 mile off the A148, halfway between Fakenham and Holt.
• Turn off at the Crawfish Inn Restaurant & Public House. Follow the brown and white tourist sign for the Thursford Collection.
• If you are using a form of GPS, then please use our address/postcode or What3words:

Thursford Collection Thursford Fakenham Norfolk NR21 0AS

What3words: //guards.settle.enchanted

• There is a large, free car park on site.
• We have car park attendants to assist you on the day so if you need a disabled space or have another requirement.
• If you need a disabled space (limited in number and cannot be pre-booked) please speak to the attendant as you enter the car park, and they will direct you to the most suitable space. Please note there are no facilities on the car park.
• The car park is located on site and, depending on your ability will be roughly a 5-6 minute walk to reach the venue.
• Payment is preferred by debit or credit card. All our tills have card machine facilities.
• Please note we do not accept American Express.

Dogs / pets are not allowed beyond the car park, except for registered assistance animals.

Photography

• Photographs and / or video can be recorded along the journey.

Santa’s Magical Journey Event

Santa’s Magical Journey comprises of all the aspects of the Enchanted Journey of with the addition of a visit to Santa’s House and a gift for each (paying) child.  For further information or to book select Santa’s Magical Journey from the blue banner.

We have gift (e.g. Christmas Gift, Toys, Food) shops on site which will be open during your visit.

Special Effects

There will be moderate flashing lights and sound effects, however no strobe lighting. Please contact us via [email protected] if you require any further information. On our Relaxed Day (see main website for this year’s date), sound and lighting will be adjusted as appropriate.

• Tickets are e mailed to the account address at the time of booking.
• If you receive a confirmation, then you should have received the tickets. If you cannot see them in the first instance, check your spam / junk and deleted folders before contacting the office. The tickets are sent from a ‘Do not reply’ address so may well have been automatically discarded.
• Each visitor must have a ticket to enter the Enchanted Journey of Light, and we will not accept a confirmation e mail in place of the authorised tickets.
• Tickets must also be booked for children aged 2 and under who enter FOC.
• Whilst you do not need to print off your tickets, we must be able to scan the bar code on each one. Please ensure that you download them before you arrive or take a screen shot of each one before you arrive as the WiFi signal is not strong at Thursford.

The event is experienced both inside the Fantasy Land building and outside in the high meadow (wide, secure walkways provided), please wear appropriate clothing for the prevailing weather as the event will not be cancelled if it is raining or snowing.

Walking aid/ mobility scooter/ wheelchair / pushchairs

You are very welcome to bring these with you, Thursford is fully accessible. The outdoor exhibits will have matting over any grass areas.

• Please come dressed for the weather and wrap up warm with suitable footwear.
• The Enchanted Journey of Light will not be cancelled if there is rain or snow, the only time we foresee having to cancel (or suspend) the experience is in the event of high winds which would make it unsafe for employees or customers to traverse the external section of the experience.
• If there are Amber+ warnings for high winds in this part of Norfolk, as a priority please check our website (which will be updated regularly throughout the day).

Wheelchair Hire

Sorry, we do not have any wheelchairs for hire.

Accessibility

The journey is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Please note we do not supply wheelchairs for our events.

Please click on the link to view our Access Statement: https://www.thursford.com/access-statement/

Photography & Recording

Photography and recording is allowed during all parts of the experience.  Photography and recording during the event is only allowed if it does not hold up other visitors on their journey, if this does happen, we reserve the right to stop photographs and recording to enable free flow of visitors.

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Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light Review

Imagine this: Our excitement levels were already through the roof for the Christmas Spectacular at Thursford. Little did we know that an additional dose of holiday magic awaited us with an invite to the Enchanted Journey of Light. Get ready for the inside scoop in this review of the Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light, where the holiday spirit soared to new heights!

Note: We were invited to visit the Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light so that we could share the experience with our readers.

Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter here so that we can keep you up to date with events happening around Norfolk.

What is the Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light?

The Thursford Journey of Light is a magical experience that takes visitors on an enchanting adventure through a world of fantasy and wonder. The journey begins in the Fantasyland Building, where you walk through charming scenes with adorable animatronic penguins, polar bears, and giant teddy bears. You’ll venture behind the scenes of Santa’s workshop, where industrious elves load Santa’s sleigh and craft toys using a wondrous wrapping machine.

The adventure doesn’t end indoors; it also includes the Lantern Light Extravaganza which is outside. Here, guests are treated to a huge display of luminous sculptures that bring fantasy to life. From a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole via the plains of Africa, the outdoor exhibit showcases a dazzling array of creatures and scenes that captivate the imagination.

RELATED: Thursford Christmas Spectacular Review

Our Experience at the Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light

While the primary reason for our visit to Thursford was the Christmas Spectacular, we were also invited to explore the Enchanted Journey of Light, and it turned out to be a delightful addition to our festive experience.

When we arrived at Thursford, we were greeted by the Queen’s Guard and Household Cavalry (well, life-sized figurines).  I was impressed with how realistic they looked.

Entering Fantasyland, we stepped into a realm of animated displays that captivated us with meticulous attention to detail. Surrounded by bustling activity, we found ourselves almost missing some of the action taking place above us.

The festive winter landscapes skilfully integrated steam engines, while animatronic penguins, polar bears, and a Teddy Bear family enhanced the overall charm.

A highlight was the snowmen joyfully engaging in a snowball fight, infusing the atmosphere with playfulness. After a bit we found ourselves at the North Pole, where we witnessed busy elves preparing for the big day, accompanied by Rudolph and other reindeer poised to pull Santa’s sleigh.

After soaking up the wonders inside Fantasyland, it was time to take the excitement outdoors. The Light Trail lured us with its dazzling path of lights, guiding us to an awe-inspiring surprise waiting in the top meadow.

The captivating play between the darkness and the vibrant hues of the illuminated displays left us spellbound. I was amazed at the sheer variety of figurines and lights that awaited.

The lantern light trail kicked off with a journey through Candyland with larger-than-life sweets and a charming gingerbread house. It felt like stepping into a living version of a fairy tale, like Hansel and Gretel.

Continuing on, the next section felt like we had entered a zoo. Our path was adorned with a diverse array of animals, and among our favourites were the majestic snow leopard, the impressive rhinoceros, and the charming Madagascar penguins. Since it is the holiday season there were a few reindeer too.

Next, the trail led us into an Asian-inspired scene, where vibrant reds and intricate Chinese characters added a cultural touch.

The final section transported us under the sea, where lively displays of colourful fish, a colossal conch shell, delicate sea plants, jellyfish, and an enchanting seahorse awaited our exploration.

Each section of the Enchanted Journey of Light presented a unique and mesmerizing world, and the overall experience left us in awe. It truly is a one-of-a-kind adventure, more vibrant and magical than any other light trail we’ve encountered. Although we had seen photos before, we didn’t really have an idea of the scale, variety or impact of the Enchanted Journey of Light.

Review of Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light

I knew Thursford fully embraces the spirit of Christmas , but the Enchanted Journey of Light surprised us with the sheer volume and quality of displays. Everywhere I turned, there were picture-perfect moments, showcasing not only a multitude of scenes but with many tiny and thoughtful details that made it interesting for all ages. The effort and creativity invested in its development must have been immense.

Fantasyland proved to be a delightful spectacle, with its adorable displays evoking smiles effortlessly. Children would undoubtedly revel in the charming characters and animals, while adults could appreciate the artistic qualities and the quirky whimsical scenes. Let’s be honest – everyone’s still a child at heart.

Check out video highlights of Fantasyland here .

The Lantern Light Trail was a sensory feast, boasting vibrant colours and accompanying music that transported us into various animated worlds. The magic of the journey was so deep that it felt like entering a world of imagination and fantasy.

Check out video highlights of the Lantern Light Trail here .

The entire attraction was impeccably organized, allowing us to enjoy the experience at our own pace without ever feeling rushed. It was a magical journey through light and fantasy, leaving us with lasting memories of a truly extraordinary adventure.

Other Things to See and Do at Thursford at Christmas

Thursford offers more than just the Enchanted Journey of Light during the holiday season. The Thursford Spectacular, a mesmerizing 3-hour variety show, is a must-see to truly believe. There is also a funfair on select nights that can be visited along with the Enchanted Journey of Light (rides are an additional fee).

Additionally, there’s the Pavilion Restaurant, a cosy cafe within Fantasyland, and the Barn Cafe. Don’t forget to explore the shops, where you can discover special gifts for your loved ones.

For a festive visit with the kids to meet Father Christmas , you need to book Santa’s Magical Journey, which also includes the Enchanted Journey of Light.

Is Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light Worth It?

Absolutely! Dive into a world of enchantment, where animated displays, festive winter scenes, and magical surprises await. Whether you’re captivated by whimsical snowmen, the hustle and bustle of Santa’s workshop, or the dazzling Lantern Light Extravaganza, this journey promises a unique holiday experience. The attention to detail, vibrant colours, and diverse themes cater to all ages, ensuring a memorable and enchanting adventure.

Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light FAQs

Most evenings 19 November – 24 December 2023. you can refer to the opening schedule available here for specific timings.

No, but Christmas Spectacular ticket holders can enjoy discounted entry to the Enchanted Journey of Light before their scheduled show (between 12:00 -13:00 for matinees and between 17:00 – 18:00 for evening performances). Please note that the special rate cannot be pre-booked and is payable on the day at the Fantasy Land entrance, upon presentation of your Spectacular ticket/s. This exclusive offer is also open to Spectacular ticket holders on days when it’s not available for general public booking. Do keep in mind that these tickets are subject to availability, and entry is not guaranteed.

Absolutely, the Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light caters to all ages. Kids will be spellbound by the charming characters, delightful animals, and the vibrant display of lights and colours. If you need more ideas for family-friendly activities, check out our recommendations for the best things to do in Norfolk with kids.

No. If you want to see Father Christmas, you need to book Santa’s Magical Journey here , which also includes entrance to the Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light.

The Enchanted Journey of Light will not be cancelled due to rain or snow. The only circumstances that may lead to a cancellation or suspension are high winds, posing potential safety concerns for both employees and customers navigating the outside section of the experience. In the event of Yellow+ warnings for high winds in Norfolk, please check the Thursford website for real-time updates.

Yes, you can take photos inside Fantasyland and on the Lantern Light Trail.

The Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light takes place at the Thursford Collection. Use the postcode NR21 0AS in your GPS, and once you get in the area, it is well sign posted.

There is a large car park (with some disabled parking spaces) on site that is free to use.

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Thursford Christmas returns with The Enchanted Journey of Light

The annual Christmas Spectacular may not be happening this year, but Thursford has come up with a superb alternative, The Enchanted Journey of Light, that will allow social distancing as well as lots of festive fun.

The journey will begin in the main auditorium, an all new indoor Wonderland Trail, with a maze of engines, fairy-tale characters and an immersive experience of light and sound, including one of the UK’s biggest kinetic light displays.

Wander through an enchanted trail partitioned by magical steam engines and marvel at the vast decorations covering each corner of the building!

Next the journey will progress into the Santa’s Magical Journey Building (sadly Santa is currently ICE-olating so will not be attending the event).

You will travel past the penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears! Get ready to see how the elves have loaded Santa’s sleigh, then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory using the wondrous wrapping machine!

Throughout your journey you’ll meet lots of fantasy land characters including the snowman family, make sure you watch out for their snowballs!

The journey continues outside to a new 4 acre Lantern Light Extravaganza: a beautiful, breath-taking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy forest of jungle animals to the wilds of the North Pole.

The whole Journey will be just over a kilometre long.

Book tickets

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Enchanting spirit of Christmas

For those looking to find some festive magic this December, the Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light is an absolutely unmissable experience that will delight adults and children alike

It is quite literally as described in the name; an immersive journey through a fantasyland trail and out into a lantern lit extravaganza. The fantasyland features over 600 animatronic animals busy within a snowy world of cosy cottages, steam engines, ice structures and a toy factory. Stars of the show include friendly polar bears, traditional elves and the dancing penguins who are a highlight for many visitors. 

For customers who book Santa’s Magical Journey, an additional trip to visit Father Christmas in his grotto is included in the fantasyland experience, where the elves will welcome children to see the big man himself and good little boys and girls will leave with a delightful gift. 

Outside is a four-acre field filled with light sculptures set within a variety of themed areas. Visitors wind their way between the giant lanterns which are impressive in the daylight and completely magical at night. 

There is an underwater world with a giant ghostly jellyfish and a jungle area featuring a majestic elephant family and grandly decorated giraffe. Other themes are more weird and wonderful, as if they have escaped from a child’s imagination. “This year we will be adding a towering mystical moving tree, covered in creatures,” describes George Cushing, Marketing and Media Manager. “We commissioned it ourselves from the artists and it really will be quite a marvel to look at.”

The journey can also be combined with Thursford’s famed Christmas Spectacular show, an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety that is now in its 45th year. 

“Every lantern is designed and made bespoke for Thursford...”

The Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light is a wonderful trip out for families, with lots to charm and amaze all generations, but perhaps more surprisingly it is also proving popular with couples and groups of friends too. “It is an enjoyable night out with a difference with a fun and festive vibe,” says George. “You can get a mulled wine from the bar and enjoy classic rides like the dodgems and Ferris wheel at the onsite funfair.”

A good selection of simple, warming refreshments are available throughout the Thursford event. The Garden Pavilion serves hearty, wholesome meals to sustain you for the evening, while the Santa’s Magical Journey Café offers family pleasers like pizzas, pastries and bratwurst sausages to eat on the go. Outside are various food stalls, including the ever-popular churros van as well as mince pies galore. 

The displays at Thursford are really exceptional quality and are updated every year to keep the journey fresh with new surprises to excite returning visitors. “The fantasyland remains permanently in place,” George explains, “which allows us the time and resources to make it so detailed. In 2022 you must look out for a new wolf pack and some naughty polar bears who have got into the wrapped presents early.”

The lantern display is more transient, in part because of the delicate nature of the sculptures. “They are made of steel wire that is moulded into shape, covered with silk and then lights are inserted into the centre,” says George. “It takes around six weeks to get everything outside constructed, staked and lit.

“We had three containers full of new features transported from China, including a new ice world. They will add a huge amount to the display,” George continues. “This year has seen the biggest capital investment we have ever made. We want to keep people coming back and we want to invest in the place. It’s exciting!”

The stunning lanterns within Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light are completely unique in East Anglia. “If you want to see lantern sculptures like these, we are unmatched,” says George. “Every lantern is designed and made bespoke for Thursford. They are sourced from China where the artistry in this form is incredible.”

It is this innovative approach that sets Thursford apart for those seeking the ultimate Christmas experience. “There is a good variety of attractions doing Christmas events across Norfolk now and everyone has something special and different to offer,” George says. “But here at Thursford we really specialise in Christmas. You can expect the highest quality in everything that we do. The permanence of our fantasyland display allows us to create a richness and amazing level of detail. There will not be a single dark corner found that isn’t a treat for the eyes. We invest in the creativity and the result is truly immersive.”

For those that are keen to visit Thursford’s enchanting Christmas experience, tickets are still available and more details can be found on the website, www.thursford.com. 

And what advice does George have for visitors? “Just be embraced by the spirit of Christmas. Forget about the real world for a few hours of escapism that will take you back to the excitement of your childhood. Bring your festive cheer… and if it’s raining maybe a coat too.”

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oasis norfolk

For the trans community in east anglia, thursford enchanted journey of light.

How fortunate we were to have chosen a date just two days after the second COVID-19 national lockdown ended, so looking forward to going out somewhere other than a supermarket, grocery shopping.

Thursford was our chosen venue for a December Oasis ladies outing and it was fabulous.

Claire, Jules, Beccie, Lorraine and myself, Theresa met outside in the car park and awaited our allocated entrance time slot, there were no crowds or queues, very promising from the start and throughout the journey it was well laid out with lots of space and safety in mind.

The Journey consisted of different sections, each with a different theme, the displays were magical like walking into a fantasy land with an atmospheric mix of animated models, lighting and music.

The beginning of the journey was an outside festive street scene with an opportunity to purchase gifts and other Christmas paraphernalia, brollies were needed to protect from the freezing rain.

Quickly moving around the one way system we found shelter and warmth inside the main building and things began to get magical, we walked through the various displays with festive wintry themes with lots of polar bears, penguins, Santa’s, elves etc. and more with some animated, every direction you looked there was something amazing to see. This was all built around the existing steam engine museum much to the delight of Claire who used to drive such machines in her younger days, she was totally absorbed while walking around the magnificent steam traction engines.

Half way round was a large hall with a stage and cafe, time for coffee and some live music, the audience was pretty much ignoring the singer until Beccie stood up and gave very loud applause, I did ask please don’t encourage any more singing, sounded too much like karaoke to me.

To avoid further embarrassment we moved on, some bugs were next all with moving heads and arms.

The light show around the main stage area was wonderful, we sat for a few minutes to watch.

Moving on we found ourselves back outside in a fairground, dodgems and all. Beccie could not resist showing off her skills with the ducks, a couple of quacks and a teddy bear was the prize.

Further on was an area with some fantastic lighting displays, unfortunately the weather was so bad all we could do was pass through as quickly as possible without much appreciation of what was on display, this is how the Thurston website describes this final part of the journey

“a beautiful, breath-taking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy forest of jungle animals to the wilds of the North Pole”

Returning to the site entrance was a welcoming café, plenty of space to seat safely and enjoy warming food and drinks.

Before leaving it just had to be carols by the Christmas tree.

Thursford have adapted well to the COVID restrictions and put on a fabulous show, I would recommend to anyone get a ticket and visit, something for the grandkids even after Christmas?

Hope to see you all soon, some of you on Zoom.

Happy Christmas

PS  – All images follow Covid-19 restriction. Image manipulation has been used to give the impression we were closer to each other!

Look out for our January trip out!

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Hope you all had a wonderful time happy christmasx

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Thursford enchanted journey of light - Thursford

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A show worth seeing, good value entertainment. seating can be somewhat uncomfortable after a long... read more

Never been before but had been told lots of good things! Totally met and more than exceeded my... read more

Thursford enchanted journey of light

Shocking. Booked tickets for 29th Nov, genuinely the wrong date but realised 3 weeks later. Tried to change them to week before and Said we would return tickets however refused as non refundable or exchangeable. Waste of 2 tickets

We travelled from Kent to see the show this Christmas at Thursford. We were not disappointed it was excellent, it is hard to separate any part of it for individual praise from the singing to the dancing to the orchestra all were spectacular.

I have visited the Christmas show on many occasions. It is magnificent by any standard and changes so you can enjoy it year after year. One of the highlights of the year for me.

This is our second visit to Thursford for the Christmas Spectacular and yet again they knocked it out of the park. Such a Christmassy feel about the gardens and the show itself just transported you back to a magical place. Song, dance, comedy, cirque and much more in a non stop three hour show. You need to book early as it really is very, very popular and for good reason.

A nice place, but a little bit too much Christmas oriented for the summer time. Some interesting artifacts and nice music though.

Go to their Xma Show annually it is always sensational. The entertainment top class the performances are always so joyful. Don't miss it.

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Thursford Enchanted Journey of Light

When twilight falls the magic begins!

Your journey will progress into the Fantasyland Building, you will travel past the penguins and polar bears to the giant-sized teddy bears! Get ready to see how the elves have loaded Santa’s sleigh, then past the busy elves hard at work in the toy factory using the wondrous wrapping machine!  

Throughout your journey you’ll meet lots of fantasy land characters including the snowman family, make sure you watch out for their snowballs!   

Your journey continues as you venture outside to the Lantern Light Extravaganza, with lots of creatures to marvel at- a beautiful, breath-taking festival of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy underwater world to the wilds of the North Pole. Watch out for the naughty mushroom gnomes!  

Outside bar, food and Vintage Funfair  

*Vintage funfair rides are not included in the price and cannot be visited independently of the Enchanted Journey of Light.  

**Father Christmas is NOT at this event**  

THURSFORD COLLECTION THURSFORD FAKENHAM NORFOLK NR21 0AS

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Click to Read April's Issue Online

Thursford's Enchanted Journey of Light replaces Christmas Spectacular show this year

• By Elaine Bird
• 14 July 2020

Due to the continued uncertainty around when theatres can reopen and live performance can once again be staged, it has become necessary for Thursford Christmas Spectacular to postpone until 2021.

Thursford Christmas Spectacular has entertained more than 6 million visitors of all ages from across the globe since opening its first Christmas Eve performance over 40 years ago, becoming one of Europe’s biggest seasonal shows. The award-winning production, which would normally run annually from early November, employs around 360 dancers, singers, musicians, variety acts, technicians, wardrobe teams, ushers, caterers and production staff each year.

Whilst obviously unavoidable, it is with great sadness that this year will be the first since opening its doors in 1977, that the show has been unable to happen.

Ticket holders for the 2020 production will be contacted by the bookings and reservations team or their point of purchase by mid-August 2020, offering the option of an automatic seat transfer to a new date in 2021 or to arrange refund.

With the Thursford Christmas Spectacular show on pause for 2020, and whilst Santa is in ICE-olation at the North pole until Christmas Eve and therefore unable to greet children and grandchildren at the end of Santa’s Magical Journey , an enchanting new festive celebration will light up Thursford as an alternative Christmas treat.

Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light will be a magical walk-through experience for all ages running from 19 November 2020 until 3 January 2021. An all-new indoor Wonderland Trail: a maze of steam engines, fairy-tale characters and an immersive experience of light and sound including one of the UK’s biggest kinetic light displays, will lead to a 4-acre Lantern Light Extravaganza: a beautiful , breath-taking outdoor installation of luminous sculptures, from a fantasy forest of jungle animals to the wilds of the North Pole.

Tickets for Thursford’s Enchanted Journey of Light will be £15 each (free for under 3 years), with time slots allocated from 3pm daily via the Thursford Box Office www.thursford.com or 01328 878477.

John Cushing OBE, CEO, Founder, Producer and Director of Thursford Christmas Spectacular, said:

“This has been a heart-breaking time for me and my team at Thursford as it has been for so many. We have watched and waited, hoping for news and direction as to the implications for mass gatherings and live performances, which, in these uncertain times, remain unclarified at this time.

We have spent the last few months working tirelessly towards the Christmas Spectacular show, hoping to continue our normal year's schedule through to the autumn. However, following many hours discussing ways to achieve this, considering restrictions and safety measures, and with the concern for due care of our audience, cast and production team always being foremost in our minds, we felt that our only option was to postpone the show for this year.

Whilst we allow the cancellation of the Christmas Spectacular this year to sink in, we are delighted to welcome in the Enchanted Journey of Light as a magical festive alternative. The beautiful collection of lanterns, will light up Thursford and brighten our hearts. We hope that visitors from far and wide will come and walk the Wonderful Trail with us and in doing so, continue to support the local community, hotels, B&Bs, rental properties and hospitality venues throughout Norfolk.

Christmas is a special time of hope, joy, sharing and caring, and after a year filled with uncertainty and loss it is more important than ever that we celebrate all that we are thankful for. We look forward to seeing Christmas Spectacular audiences return in 2021 and hope that many will also visit our Enchanted Journey of Light this year.”

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