Light trail to return to County Durham next year after attracting 30,000 visitors in run up to Christmas

A brand new County Durham light trail, home to the tallest Christmas tree in the North of England, will return next year after attracting 30,000 visitors.

AGLOW debuted in Bishop Auckland this year, with a one-and-a-half-mile long trail through the grounds of Auckland Castle. It also has the longest outdoor light tunnel in the country, at 100 metres and decorated with 100,000 stars, as well as seventeen other light installations.

There are also life-size illuminated deer grazing amongst silk flower lanterns at the Deer House, dancing water fountains, illuminations featuring real fire, rainbow-hued spheres of light over the bowling green, and a specially created Santa’s Village.

And now, it has been announced that AGLOW will return for a second year on November 22 2024, after attracting 30,000 visitors in five weeks of its maiden year. The 90-minute trail remains open until December 31, with tickets still available between now and then.

Jared Bowers, chief operating officer at The Auckland Project, said: “The reaction to AGLOW at Auckland Castle has blown us away and we’ve had so much positive feedback from visitors who have been particularly impressed with its scale, value for money and how we’ve made the most of every twist and turn in the parkland.

Illuminated deer at AGLOW

“Despite being brand new, we set an ambitious target for ourselves and we’re thrilled to have achieved it, whilst providing a wonderful experience for so many. AGLOW will be back next year, ready to bring families and loved ones together for the ultimate festive evening out.”

Tickets can be booked on ‘The Auckland Project’ website. They are £21.50 for adults, £14.50 for children or £66.50 for families (consisting of one adult and three children, or two adults and two children.) Children aged 2 and under enter for free.

The Auckland Project Annual Pass Holders receive 20% discount on the ticket prices.