WATCH: Land of Light opens in Belvedere this evening
A new seasonal feature opening at Belvedere this evening (Friday) is expected to attract 25,000 people to Mullingar over the next six weeks, according to the man behind it.
Land of Light is an outdoor event that according to its website “combines the use of nature and technology to provide a spectacle of lights, music and performance for attendees of all ages”.
Taking place over a 1.7km trail, the event includes a number of elements a laser light show, an Arctic Circle and Christmas Experience, a Tunnel of Lights and an Animal Farm and Cowboy Saloon.
Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Land of Light organiser Kevin Rowe said that while it may include a laser light show and a tunnel of lights, it won’t be a burden on the national grid as it is all being run on waste vegetable oil.
Mr Rowe, who is running the event alongside his wife Rachel, says that people can attend safely assured of its green credentials.
“We are not using the national grid or any electrical supply and will have no impact on the national energy supply this winter. All of the event will be powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). HVO is made from synthesised waste fats and vegetable extracts. It all from 100 per cent raw materials.
“It is also ecofriendly in other ways. All of our lights are LED. We also have a lot of wood carvings of animals and they have been made out of recycled wood by a wood carver. In terms of sustainability, we are on the money with it.”
Land of Light was held at Well’s House and Garden in Wexford last winter and attracted some 18,000 people. Now in its second year, it’s creator says that the decision to relocate to Belvedere House was taken for a number of reasons.
“The location is fantastic, right bang in the midlands. We looked at venues around the country and you’d find somewhere that would have amazing grounds but no car park. Belvedere has a good car park and fantastic grounds.
“The people [at Belvedere] have been really good to work with. Stephen Masterson (manager of Belvedere House and Gardens) has been extremely helpful and fantastic to work with, as have the other people there. They have made life very easy. Westmeath County Council have also been fantastic to work with too.”
On December 4, Land of Light will be hosting a special sensory evening for children with autism and their families.
“My child Tiarnán is three and was diagnosed with autism this year. He is non-verbal,” Mr Rowe said. “We are giving AsIAm, the autism charity, a percentage of the tickets. The music will be slightly lower, the lights won’t be as flashy and there will be smaller crowds – although anyone can go.”
Mr Rowe says that while there are festive elements to Land of Lights, it is a “light show at Christmas not a Christmas light show”.
“It’s outdoor and in nature. It’s exercise and it gets people and their kids off their phones.”