Wakehurst’s Glow Wild lantern trail, illuminated sculptures and fire torches - in pictures

This year’s trail is inspired by aspects of nature that often remain unseen - a grain of pollen, a seed on the wind, or the fungi that enriches the soil allowing plants to flourish. With this theme in mind, Wakehurst has commissioned artists and creative studios to produce an array of illuminated artworks that will celebrate the hidden heroes of the natural world. Among the delights in store is an award-winning installation, brand new to Glow Wild: last seen floating above Amsterdam’s canals, ‘Light a wish’ will bring a series of giant, sparkling dandelion seed heads to Wakehurst’s beautiful Black Pond, creating mesmerizing reflections across the Water Gardens. The piece is inspired by childhood memories of picking dandelion flowers and blowing the seeds into the wind to cast a wish Head of programmes and learning, and this year’s Glow Wild’s creative director, Lorraine Lecourtois, said: “Now in its seventh year, Glow Wild will continue to delight visitors with new artists, a festive atmosphere and the beauty of Wakehurst after dark. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, we have been busy behind the scenes to make the trail more exciting than ever - it takes over 600 hours of staff and volunteer time to make and repair over 1,000 lanterns by hand. Getting outdoors and connecting with nature is enormously beneficial to our wellbeing. Glow Wild is a completely outdoor event that can be enjoyed while adhering to social distancing measures - making it the perfect evening out this winter.”