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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
Leeds Bradford Airport issue statement as 130 workers prepare to strike
Clementine Hall
Leeds Bradford Airport is set for a standstill as almost 130 workers are set to take industrial action over pay.
If you're planning on catching a flight from Leeds Bradford Airport, then you may want to double check the date.
The Unite members planning on going on strike are a mixture of air traffic control workers, customer experience staff, security staff and cleaners.
The workers involved in the dispute have recently come out of a four-year pay deal, with some of the departments having fallen behind other airports in equivalent roles.
Pay talks have been happening since December 2025, with the airport's formal offer not going far enough to address the lack of pay parity.
Strikes will take place from 03:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for hourly paid staff and from 06:00 Friday 16 October to 06:00 Sunday 18 October for air traffic control workers.
Strike will mean the entire airport will shut down.
Since the announcement, Leeds Bradford Airport have issued a statement: "Leeds Bradford Airport acknowledges the proposed industrial action due to take place between 16-18 October involving a group of operational colleagues.
"We respect the right of employees to participate in lawful industrial action. However, we are disappointed by this and do not believe strike action is the right way to resolve the issues still under discussion.
"The airport has made what we believe is a fair and responsible offer that is significantly above inflation and reflects both current economic conditions and the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business.
"Our priority now is to minimise disruption for customers, many of whom have worked hard and saved for important holidays, family visits and business travel. At this stage we anticipate running near-normal operations during the period.
"Leeds Bradford Airport plays a vital role in connecting Yorkshire to the world. Industrial action has the potential to cause inconvenience for thousands of customers and local businesses who rely on those connections.
"We remain committed to constructive dialogue with Unite and would welcome continued discussions aimed at reaching a resolution. Our focus remains on serving Yorkshire, supporting our colleagues and maintaining safe airport operations."
Read more: Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack
Featured image - The Hoot Leeds
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Yorkshire Wildlife Park shares major update after man killed in tiger attack
Daisy Jackson
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has shared an update this afternoon, after a man died in a horrifying tiger attack at the zoo yesterday.
The wildlife park, which remains closed today, has informed customers of the future of the tiger involved, Altai.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
The zoo has said that its 'thoughts and heartfelt sympathies' remain with the man's family and loved ones.
They also said that its staff team have been left 'deeply affected' by the tiger attack and will be receiving specialist support.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has now shared that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Read more: Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month
Featured image: Craig Thomas on Unsplash
Georgina Pellant -
1st October 2021 
