Homegrown tree takes centre stage for Christmas at Lake District stately home
THE halls of a magnificent stately home are decked ready for Christmas with a show-stopping homegrown tree as its centre piece.
The 400-year-old Holker Hall, near Grange-over-Sands, will be dressed in a winter wonderland theme this year as a brand new set of white, silver and glass decorations adorn its grand hall.
Now, members of the public are being invited to soak up the magical atmosphere during weekends in December as the Grade II-listed property’s biggest ever Christmas events programme gets underway on Friday, November 29.
The highlight this year will be a fully immersive one-off visit to Holker from Father and Mrs Christmas, giving children the chance to enjoy an interactive festive experience on Sunday, December 8.
Heather Creasey, Holker Hall manager, said from brass bands to gingerbread decorating workshops, a variety of exciting, seasonal events had been lined up to help people enjoy one of the loveliest times of the year.
“The Christmas tree at Holker is spectacular, as is the traditional scent of pine which fills the air around it,” she added.
“This is also the first Christmas for some time that the hall has been dressed in a new set of decorations. Timeless crisp winter colours were chosen to heighten the unique festive atmosphere that is so special to Holker.
“Of course, one of the many things we’re looking forward to is the special visit from Father Christmas, with a team of elves ready to welcome children to Holker before taking them on an immersive journey to meet the man himself.”
The hunt for the perfect Christmas tree for 2019 began in August when estate workers, led by Sam Thompson, launched their search for a specimen worthy of the prime spot in The Courtyard.
While the average Christmas tree stands at around six feet tall, Holker’s 20 foot giant required special handling to manoeuvre it into place before the decorating could get underway.
The Christmas line up this year includes music from Ulverston Brass Band on Sunday, December 1 and a Christmas concert on Thursday, December 12.
There will also be a variety of children’s crafts as well as the chance to meet Santa’s reindeer on Sunday, December 15.
The Courtyard Cafe and Ilex Brasserie will serve a range of delicious, wintery dishes with a local provenance throughout December.
Heather said: “We start planning for Christmas before the summer season to make sure everyone who visits has an unforgettable time.
“The hall is open for only a select number of days in December so we hope people will seize the opportunity to enjoy time in one of the most historic homes in the region.”
Holker Hall will be open for Christmas on the following dates:
Friday, November 29 - Sunday, December 1
Thursday, December 5 - Sunday, December 8
Thursday December 12 - Sunday, December 15
Details of the full Christmas programme can be found at www.holker.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors
A selection of images is attached to this release.
Holker Hall and Gardens is the privately owned Grade II-listed stately home of the Cavendish family.
It is located within 25 acres of award-winning gardens, estate and parkland on the Cartmel Peninsula, near Grange-over-Sands.
The property, which is the home of The Hon Lucy Cavendish and her husband Tor McLaren, is opened to the public every year and runs a programme of events and activities for visitors.
This press release is sent out on behalf of Holker Hall and Gardens by 32West. For more information please contact Caroline Barber on 07711 820 944.