The zoo’s tenth annual event gives event attendees the opportunity to experience an after-hours tour in the dark as they walk through spectacular illuminations and colourful lanterns, intersecting with enchanting costumed characters along the way.
Several new elements will be featured at this year’s festivities, including illuminated orangutans, butterflies, caterpillars, and wolves as well as an enchanting light show dedicated to the zoo’s 90th birthday, which explores its history.
Conservationists at the UK’s most popular zoo say that the event will support the zoo’s crucial work as a wildlife conservation charity and will help with its recovery following the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Senior Admissions and Retail Manager at Chester Zoo, Gemma Bamford, said:
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to our very special Christmas event, The Lanterns. It’s become a firm favourite and something of a family tradition for so many people now and this year will be more magnificent and magical than ever.
“The event will see the zoo transform into a spectacular winter wonderland, where guests will be welcomed into an exotic world of colour and movement, where larger than life illuminations and animal characters await.“This year’s theme is all about shining a light on species that face a fight for survival in the wild, where the numbers of many of these incredible animals are plummeting to worryingly low levels. Never-before-seen illuminations of orangutans, butterflies, caterpillars and wolves are just a few of the species that will feature as part of our ‘into the wild’ theme.
“It’s the zoo’s 90th birthday year and so another hugely exciting new area will celebrate our anniversary through a special light show – taking visitors on a journey through time as they explore our history.
“Lots of firm family favourites will also be returning this year, like Father Christmas, the zebras, elephants and lions who are sure to put on a fantastic show.”
There will again be a limited capacity at the Zoo because of the ongoing global situation with Covid-19. The zoo will, however, offer more timed entry slots than ever before, providing more people with the chance to enjoy the festivities.
Gemma added:
“It’s been another strange and challenging year for everyone and so we’re just thrilled to be able to provide our guests with some much needed Christmas cheer. We know how much people are looking forward to getting out and about this Christmas and doing something lovely with their loved ones, so we’ve added five extra nights and more time slots this time around – giving more opportunities for people to come and see The Lanterns.
“This event is an important step on the road to our recovery after all of the different challenges we’ve faced in recent times and will help us raise valuable funds, supporting us to continue our mission of preventing extinction all around the world.”
The Lanterns has been created by the zoo in partnership with multi-award-winning outdoor arts producer, Wild Rumpus.
Tickets are now on sale for selected dates from Friday 12 November – Thursday 23 December 2021 with slots available from 4 pm – 8.15 pm. Child tickets start from £11 and adult tickets start from £13.
For full information and to book tickets, visit: www.chesterzoo.org/lanterns
