Longleat Estate has submitted a planning application to Wiltshire Council detailing behind-the-scenes preparations for its 2026 Festival of Light, which will feature an illuminated Wooden Horse of Troy inspired by the Hollywood film Odyssey, alongside an Atlantis-themed experience. The festival, which has run since 2014 and attracts around 150,000 visitors annually, will take place from November 7 to January 10, operating between 4pm and 8.30pm.
Legendary Worlds theme and attractions
This year's theme, 'Legendary Worlds', will invite visitors to explore the lost city of Atlantis and encounter the gods, heroes and monsters of ancient Greece, as well as the Vikings and the court of King Arthur. The centrepiece will be the illuminated Wooden Horse of Troy, a design choice reflecting the recent popularity of the Odyssey movie.
The planning application states that the festival has become an "established and popular feature of the Longleat calendar", contributing to 15 per cent of the estate's annual visitor numbers. The event is one of Wiltshire's most visited tourist attractions, drawing significant crowds each year.
Staff accommodation and parking infrastructure
Beyond the spectacle, the application seeks permission for three operational elements: housing staff, building and maintaining installations, and accommodating vehicles. To house the workforce, Longleat plans to supply temporary accommodation for roughly 70 staff members, comprising seven 10-berth static caravans.
For visitors, organisers wish to install temporary surfacing to accommodate parking for hundreds of vehicles, along with temporary lighting to help families navigate to and from their cars. The application notes that guest arrivals are staggered throughout the day, with numbers restricted to manage capacity.
Lantern assembly and maintenance operations
The expansive coach park will be covered with marquees and used for assembling and maintaining the giant lanterns, including the celebrated singing Christmas tree. This operational area is essential for the preparation and upkeep of the festival's large-scale installations.
The planning application to Wiltshire Council covers all three elements: staff housing, installation construction and maintenance, and vehicle accommodation. The festival's duration and operating hours are set, with the event running for over two months during the winter season.
Longleat's Festival of Light has become a significant contributor to the estate's annual visitor numbers, with the 15 per cent share representing a substantial portion of its yearly attendance. The event's popularity is reflected in the need for extensive temporary infrastructure, including parking for hundreds of vehicles and accommodation for dozens of staff.
