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An enchanted light and lantern festival is coming to Yorkshire this winter
Less than an hour's drive from Leeds, this magical trail will take you through four different fantasy worlds - discovering illuminated animals, flowers and imaginary creatures along the way
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park's enchanted light and lantern Winter Illuminations festival is coming back for Christmas 2021 and we can't wait to see what amazing creations they've dreamt up this year.
With four different enchanted worlds to explore on the magical light and lantern trail, you'll travel through a fairytale realm, fantasy land, animal kingdom and underwater empire as part of the one-way, circular 2.4km route.
Beginning at the Yorkshire Hive, you'll encounter an array of different illuminated animals, flowers and imaginary creatures as you journey through the four different fantasy worlds, ending back at the starting point.
With hot food and drink stalls available along the way, the trail can be completed in roughly 90 minutes - not counting any time you want to spend stopping for a drop or something to eat as you go.
And if you want to make the most of the experience whilst attending the light and lantern festival by booking to go and see the animals on the same day, you can get a discount on your day ticket - with prices for these costing just £10 when you book the same day.
Do this online by choosing the number of Winter Illumination tickets for the day and time you require, then selecting the relevant number of 'Winter Illuminations Park Day Time Tickets' from the same 'WHO’S COMING?' section.
Time slots for the enchanted winter trail run from 4 to 7 pm, after the park has been cleared for the day, so if you get tickets for both experiences be aware that you'll have to leave and then re-enter again for the Winter Illuminations event.
If you're looking to kill time though, the Yorkshire Hive has plenty of restaurants, play areas and shops to keep you entertained - including two immersive themed dining areas where the "lost Jurassic island meets the fantasy world of caves and mythical Dragons."
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park is fully accessible for wheelchair users and has a small number of manual wheelchairs that are available to pre-book, free of charge.
The enchanted festival kicks off on Thursday 18 November and runs right through the Christmas season into the new year.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance here.
News
Luxury Leeds steakhouse to undergo huge £1.2 million renovation
Leeds restaurant The Cut & Craft has announced further expansion plans for the spring.
Swanky all-day dining restaurant and bar, The Cut & Craft, is expanding its popular Leeds site, investing a whopping £1.2 million to create a new adjoining elegant bar, lounge and private spaces.
Located within the former historic Collinson’s Cafe, the renovation will transform the former neighbouring Paul Smith store, to extend the existing brand offering.
The extension will celebrate the original beauty of the space, whilst acknowledging the legacy of Wallace Hartley - a talented musician who played at Collinson’s Cafe in the early 1900s before his role as bandleader on Titanic during its maiden voyage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Grade II-listed building’s features including its iconic glass dome, stained glass and circular central bar will remain, with the addition of two beautifully designed private dining rooms.
The extension is due for competition this spring and will transform the existing venue into a space with seating for an impressive 370 covers.
Oscar Akgul, CEO at The Cut & Craft said: “Planning for this new chapter began within the first year of opening. By year two, it was clear that we required additional space to serve the city’s appetite for The Cut & Craft’s signature hospitality.
Image: Supplied
“The brand’s deep affinity with the Victoria Quarter and the heritage of the building played an essential role in the decision to grow here.
“We want to thank our regular guests and everyone who has joined us at The Cut & Craft Leeds since opening and we look forward to entering this exciting new chapter with you all.”
New BBC TV drama starring Bel Powley and Harley Squires to be filmed in Leeds this spring
Clementine Hall
The BBC has announced a brand-new crime drama set to be filmed in Leeds and Hull.
We all love a BBC drama, and luckily for us one is about to be filmed right here in Leeds.
The new drama will be titled Shy & Lola, starring Harley Squires from The Night Manager and Bel Powley from The Diary of A Teenage Girl.
The six-part series has been described as a "dark comedy" about two women caught up in a murder in the criminal underworld.
The plot follows an unassuming pair in a small coastal town in northern England where the pair both realise they have a hidden talent for crime.
The series synopsis states: "As they build an operation that threatens to blow the local bad guys out of the water, opposing futures beckon – using their earnings to fund a fresh start, or becoming the new bosses in town."
The show is based on a popular French TV series and is written by Amanda Coe, an acclaimed English screenwriter and novelist.
Amanda Coe spoke about the announcement: "With such a rich and spiky central relationship at its core, Shy & Lolais a dream of a show to write, full of fun, action and emotion. I can't wait to see our hugely exciting cast and director bring it to life."
Rachelle Constant, executive Producer for Clerkenwell Films, said: "Amanda has written a brilliantly bold series centred on a dynamic female duo, which blends dark comedy with propulsive storytelling.We’re thrilled to have Hayley and Bel as our leads, alongside an exceptional cast and crew."
The new series will begin filming in Leeds and Hull this spring and will air on BBC One and iPlayer and we'll absolutely be tuning in.
Georgina Pellant -
1st October 2021 
