First look at spectacular Glow light trail as it opens at RHS Bridgewater

An enchanting light show has taken over RHS Garden Bridgewater for the festive season.

It's the third year that Glow has come to the Salford gardens and this year's display is bigger and better with some new additions.

Lighting experts SLX have created the glittering new trail, illuminating the garden’s best-loved features on what is a magical winter walk.

The preview night on Tuesday saw visitors make their way around the Christmas attraction, inside a 154-acre site off Leigh Road in Worsley.

There are trees glowing in every colour, tunnels festooned with fairy lights, and a pathway lined with lanterns through the Chinese Streamside Garden.

There are two interactive elements this year, with Kaleider’s Twist and Shine, a playful installation of giant, interactive light sculptures which visitors can twist to make their own design; and projection mapping, a joint commission with Lightwaves 2023 and Malik Jama, an artist based at Manchester’s Venture Arts.

Jago Juggling Arts is performing a halo light show, with eight performances each night to make sure nobody misses out.

A number of aspects lend themselves to the perfect photo opportunity along the route, including the twinkling tunnel of purple lights and some glowing photo frames towards the end of the trail, which finishes with some water fountains dancing in time with the lights over the lake.

Of course there's the chance to pick up some festive treats and warming drinks from either the main Bridgewater Café, or the Stables Café and Garden Cottage Shepherds Hut, about half way round the experience, where you'll also get to hear Manchester anthems from the likes of Oasis and The Stone Roses being played.

RHS Glow is running on selected dates from November 15 to December 30. Tickets cost £7.95 for children and £14.95 for adults. For RHS members it's £4.45 and £8.95 respectively. Visit the website to book.

It's among the first of many festive light trails and events coming to the region this Christmas. See the full list here.