The seven-year-old winner of a magical competition to create a monster-themed lantern for the Land of Lights Festival in Milton Keynes has visited the event to see her design lit up in real life.
Anya Farrell, from Milton Keynes, entered the competition - which was open to local community groups - through Bradwell Common Brownies.
Her brightly coloured monster lantern won over the judges and has been produced by the expert Land of Lights festival team. It’s now displayed as part of the trail at Gulliver’s Land.
Darren Hoy, festival manager, said: “We loved the bright colours and fun twists Anya had included in her monster lantern design.
“It was great to welcome Anya and her family to the Land of Lights festival to see her drawing lit up as a real-life lantern – it makes a great addition to the trail!”
The spectacular Land of Lights festival was officially opened by the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Mick Legg, boasting a brand-new look and theme and incorporating all new lantern scenes.
The festival, which features a one-mile-long wonderland of illuminations, has returned to Gulliver’s resort in Milton Keynes for the second year running, but this time brings the theme of classic children’s literature to life.
It features a wide variety of installations from popular and much-loved characters and scenes including The Three Little Pigs, Dr Doolittle, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan to name just a few.
The 2023 festival, which was declared open by Cllr Legg alongside youth mayor, Chloe D’Souza, will run until 25 February 2024.
More than 100 people are involved in the hand-crafted production process for Land of Lights, undertaken by the American-owned Zigong Lantern Group, an award-winning custom designer and manufacturer of handcrafted lamp art.
Ticket prices start at £15.50 and to book and/or find out more about Land of Lights please visit: landoflights.co.uk
