THE team at Hestercombe have announced that despite the cancellation of the Illuminate event and Christmas market, there will still be free festive activities taking place.
Hestercombe, near Taunton, is a large estate featuring a 16th-century house and gardens, open to the public as a historic visitor attraction and wedding venue.
Every year, thousands flocked to Hestercombe to catch a glimpse of the popular Illuminate light show and to explore the items available at the annual Christmas market.
However, since Hestercombe went into administration and the trust declared the estate is “no longer viable under its current operation model”, the two highly anticipated annual Christmas events have been confirmed as cancelled.
Yet, according to Warren Leaves, a Hestercombe spokesperson, despite the program of events not being "as high profile or having the big budget wow factor that it's enjoyed in recent years", the team are “working hard to bring joy” to members and visitors this festive season.
READ MORE: Hestercombe confirms cancellation of winter events after entering administration
Free Christmas activities available at Hestercombe include capturing a memory in front of the selfie backdrops around the estate, walking along the reindeer trail, and joining in with the free Christmas crafts taking place in the main house.
The trails will be available daily between 10am and 5pm, Saturday, December 6th, until Wednesday, December 24th. Last entry to the gardens is at 3.30pm, and the house closes at 4pm.
Children can also go free from December 6 to Christmas Eve.
The Stables Hospitality on site will also be hosting events, including Festive Suppers held on December evenings of 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, Festive Afternoon Teas held on Wednesday to Sunday throughout December, and Brunch with Santa, held on December 6, 13 and 20.
A Stables Hospitality spokesperson said: "Despite the sad news of Hestercombe not being in a position to hold events for Christmas this year, we, The Stables Hospitality, are still holding multiple fun and festive things on Hestercombe's site to enjoy."
Warren added that Hestercombe has “an exciting program of education and courses planned” for the new year.
A series of art courses is set to commence on January 9, in collaboration with Katherine O’Shea called "The Winter Sketchbook: Botanical Illustration at Hestercombe".
Katherine said: "I am delighted to be joining with Hestercombe in delivering these classes.
“It is such a special venue, and there is nothing like spending time drawing with nature to calm the nervous system.
“It promotes a wonderful feeling of well-being and creativity. It's my hope that people who are new to art, or perhaps revisiting after a long break, will find this the perfect way to reconnect with their creative side, which I think is there in everyone."
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