'Biggest and brightest' Lanterns and Light event coming to Chester Zoo this Christmas

The popular Lanterns event returns to Chester Zoo this Christmas and will be the 'biggest and brightest' to date.

This year, for the first time ever, the zoo has partnered with music giants Sony Music / RGL and Culture Creative, to create an all-new light trail; Lanterns and Light, with never seen before installations.

Among the many new additions will be a 15m-long 3D mammoth hologram, which will be making its UK debut, illuminated dolphins emerging from waterways, a walkway of gigantic pea lit animals and an impressive fire garden.

READ MORE: Read more of the M.E.N's parenting content

READ MORE: The festive light trails in and around Greater Manchester this Christmas

Organisers say it will combine elements from the zoo’s long-running wintertime event, The Lanterns, which has been a festive staple at the zoo for the last 12 years, with a host of 'extraordinary' new features.

Dominic Strange, Chester Zoo’s commercial director, said: “Everyone knows what a special place the zoo is by day. But this winter, by night, our new Lanterns and Light event will transform it into a spectacular, truly unique festive light trail that’ll be like no other.

“Building on the tremendous success of our previous annual winter evening event, The Lanterns, we’ve partnered with Sony Music and Culture Creative to create an extraordinary festive experience that promises to be bigger, better, and brighter than ever before.

“This will be a delightful fusion of the nostalgic and the new. While still honouring all of the charm and many old favourites from times gone by, such as our interactive puppets, animal lanterns and, of course, Father Christmas.

"Our fresh new look, and all of the many new elements we’re adding, will make Lanterns and