Sidmouth's Connaught Gardens are set to be lit up for the first time ever in December as part of a new 'illuminated trail' complete with mulled wine, carols, and a Christmas grotto.

Plans for the Connaught@Christmas event are currently underway, with a specialist team known for creating illuminated walks across the UK and abroad meeting on site recently.

Event Manager John Radford, Designer Robin Shephard-Blandy and Technical Manager Greg Howell went to the gardens to discuss which lights should be used and where.

The light display will also include a projection onto the cliffs and hillside above Jacob's Ladder.

John Radford said: "We had the idea for the projection early on but we needed to be sure that it would work.

"Now we can reveal that visitors will be able to enjoy the intimacy of the displays in the gardens, before being stunned by the drama of the cliff scene. It's bound to be a real crowd-pleaser."

A percentage of the profits from the event will also go towards art and music opportunities for disadvantaged students at Sidmouth College and Sidmouth Primary School.

The schools will be performing on the bandstand, and helping decorate around the gardens.

There will also be a 'Christmas Craft and Food Village' with more than 30 stalls selling gifts and food across the road in the Manor Road car park.

The event will run from 7 to 12 December from 4.30pm to 9.30pm, and the Christmas Craft & Food Village will be free to enter from 1pm each day.

Tickets must be booked in advance and cost between £5 and £22 plus a booking fee.

Click here to find out how to book.

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