The innovation at Windsor Great Park Illuminated 2024 was defined by its integration of storytelling and technology. The event was created to invite visitors into a living narrative that unfolded step by step across the 2.2 km trail.
Storytelling at the Core
Unlike many seasonal light trails, which focus on spectacle alone, Windsor Great Park Illuminated wove a cohesive fairy-tale narrative throughout. Comprising eleven distinct themed zones which acted as narrative ‘chapters’, visitors moved through a series of mood and sensory experiences, each one revealing a new piece of the story.
Among the most enchanting was a ‘Narnia-Inspired Escape’ a Victorian winter wonderland where guests wandered beneath glowing lampposts, surrounded by flickering bulbs and softly falling faux snow. Layered with spatial audio featuring readings of Christmas poetry and traditional carols, this tranquil space evoked a deep emotional connection to the magic of the season.
Every element of the trail was designed to serve the story. From ‘Windsor Stags’ - two eight metre steel sculptures with LED fairy lights and neon antlers, welcomed visitors, guiding them through to the illuminated trail. While headline features such as sculptural lighting pieces, and the ‘Cathedral of light’ - A 43m-long tunnel adorned with 72 LED light chains added layers of depth and surprise throughout. .
The story-driven design ensured that guests were not just moving from one scene to another, but following an unfolding journey. This approach heightened emotional engagement, encouraged exploration, and fostered anticipation for future editions of the trail, helping to build long-term audience loyalty.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated 2024
Technical Innovation
At the heart of the project was LCI Productions’ dedication to original IP and seamless storytelling. In collaboration with IMG Events, the creative team guided guests through a richly layered narrative that unfolded naturally as they moved deeper into the forest. Each zone revealed a new chapter and immersive moment, from a talking tree named Douglas to the DJ Daft Elf Punk. These characters came to life through a sophisticated blend of holography, projection mapping, animated sequences, and spatial audio. All media was developed in-house, ensuring complete creative control while maintaining budget efficiency.
Storytelling was at the heart of the experience, transforming guests from passive observers into active participants in a living narrative. In the ‘Immersion’ zone, 1,200 RGBW LED spheres hung overhead, forming a mesmerising, ethereal light installation that enveloped visitors in wonder. From there, guests were swept into the high-energy spectacle of ‘Laser Symphony,’ where synchronised lasers danced to an original, dynamic audioscape, creating a thrilling fusion of light, sound, and story.
Trail highlights included:
- The Hart, A pair of 3.9mm Outdoor LED screens showcased dynamic holographic-style wildlife content, featuring a stag and owl that captivated visitors with lifelike motion.
- Sleigh Bells, an illusion created using projection onto a transparent holonet, with all tech cleverly hidden, so for guests it looked like Santa was flying towards them
- The Windsor Winter Ballet, a choreographed fusion of fountains, lighting, and music featuring 24 fountains reaching 18m in height.
- Elf Disco, with mirrored disco balls, transparent LED, smoke effects, dynamic lighting and three music mixes on a seven-minute loop, the scene became a joyful pause in the guest journey.
Audio design played a pivotal role, with custom-curated music and spatialised soundscapes tailored to each zone. These not only deepened immersion but also subtly guided visitor pacing and flow along the trail.
Partners
Windsor Great Park Illuminated 2024 was delivered in close partnership with IMG Events, particularly Kathryn Stafford, Manager of Arts and Entertainment, who managed operations, guest experience and strategic oversight as well as helped to design the IP for this year's trail.
