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Cobtree Manor Park lights trail closed for second day with Leeds Castle assessing safety

12:42, 13 December 2022

updated: 12:43, 13 December 2022

A lights display has been cancelled for a second day running, with another festive event working this morning to clear snow.

Cobtree Manor Park in Aylesford has confirmed its festive trail will be shut again to customers today due to health and safety reasons.

Christmas at Leeds Castle trail is currently being assessed for safety
Christmas at Leeds Castle trail is currently being assessed for safety

Drivers are being urged to stay at home as the Met Office issues a yellow warning for black ice.

This comes after Maidstone's Leeds Castle announced the estate will be closed while organisers assess the impact of the snow.

An update on their Facebook page said: "The grounds team will be working all day to ensure the pathways are clear and the estate is safe to continue with the 'Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle' event this evening.

"We would like to thank you for your understanding."

The attraction is a popular event for both families and festive fans, providing a magical Christmas display with illuminated installations and projections throughout the castle grounds.

The festive event is very popular with parents and children
The festive event is very popular with parents and children

Lots of worried ticket holders were asking if the event would be closed tonight.

Bosses replied: "We are assessing and clearing the trail route today and will share an update by 2pm.

"Please stay tuned here and on our website."

The castle was also shut yesterday, due to heavy snowfall on Sunday night and the following morning.

Cobtree Manor Park in Forstal Road has taken the decision to cancel its lights trail completely for a second day.

The lights trail at Cobtree Manor Park is still covered in snow and ice. Picture: Glow Illuminations Facebook
The lights trail at Cobtree Manor Park is still covered in snow and ice. Picture: Glow Illuminations Facebook
The Glow Illumination Trail is closed to customers today. Picture: Lisa Carpendale
The Glow Illumination Trail is closed to customers today. Picture: Lisa Carpendale

Organisers said: "Sadly the Glow illumination Trail will be closed again on Tuesday 13th December.

"We are as disappointed as you are but we must keep our guests safe.

"We can only apologise for any disappointment this may cause and we hope to welcome you again soon, we very much hope to reopen from Wednesday.

"Please rebook tickets for an alternative date subject to availability at your own convenience here."

The event has immersive and interactive experiences, as well as walkabout performers, with all of the light installations made by local and UK artists.

The ticketed attraction was cancelled yesterday due to heavy snow
The ticketed attraction was cancelled yesterday due to heavy snow

Many customers agreed it was the right thing to do.

Michele Taylor said: "Disappointing for people, but totally the right decision with keeping your customers safe, especially looking at the path in your photo.

"We are due to come tomorrow, so will wait for an update in the morning."

Mandy Smith commented: "Totally right decision.

"I have already rebooked for next Tuesday instead and can’t wait. Stay safe everyone."

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