MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL, CHISWICK PARK

Last weekend, I was given the chance to head over to Chiswick Park to visit the Magical Lantern Festival. It's a spectacular pop up show that exhibits a mix of art, heritage and culture. The outdoor installation shows off many different lantern sculptures from different artists.

I have wanted to go since I saw posters advertising it on the tube and then I kept getting Groupon emails about it. Then a few weeks later, I was asked if I wanted to review it and I leaped with joy!

This is the second year that the Magic Lantern Festival has run and sadly its last weekend this year was the 26th and 27th February. It's installed to celebrate Chinese New Year and this year is the Year of the Rooster.

It was sadly raining when we arrived and it didn't really stop until we got back in the car to head home. I have never wanted to protect my camera so much before, but I still think it performed well and really shows off the lantern festival as best as possible.

Each year has a different theme and this year's was 'Explore The Silk Road'. These magnificent bigger than life size lanterns are beautifully presented on a walking trail around Chiswick Park Gardens.

The theme allows people to learn more about the trade and culture from Europe to Ancient China. Other places included are Arabia, Egypt and India.

My favourite installation was the lanterns across the lake. As we went when it was very dark, the reflections from the lanterns bouncing off the water was truly beautiful to look at.

The trail can last for however you wish to be there, but I think we finished it within 45 minutes. It was quite busy as it was the last weekend; full of families and couples who stood in amazement like myself at some of these incredible sculptures.

The trail finishes by ending up in the entertainment area. This includes a range of different food and drink vans; such as burgers, chips and even katsu curry!

There's a 30-metre synthetic ice rink, which I have to say did not appeal to me at all. However, there's even an ice bar, festival merchandise and games and rides to have fun on after the exhibit.

I had such fun and I'm so glad I got around to visiting the Magical Lantern Festival this year. Tickets retailed at £20 for adults this year and slightly cheaper for children, which I think is an okay price if you're looking for something to do on an otherwise boring night in!

Disclaimer: I was invited along as press with a +1 to review the event.