JUST a week after opening, the Twilight Trail has hit the 10,000 tickets mark, as Reading’s flagship Christmas attraction prepares for a special accessible evening on Monday (December 21).
The light and sound installation, outside and Covid-secure, opened to the public last Tuesday (December 8) and has welcomed more than 3,000 socially distanced visitors in its first week, with more than 10,000 tickets now booked.
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A partnership project from Reading UK, Abbey Quarter BID and Reading Borough Council and part-funded by the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage, it takes place at Forbury Gardens and the Abbey Ruins and runs until January 3.
The Twilight Trail has been designed to be as inclusive as possible throughout its run – including wheelchair-accessible alternative routes wherever needed and bowls of water and treats for assistance dogs – but this Monday sees a relaxed version of the experience for all 14 bookable slots, between 4-8.40pm. Specially tailored to a neuro-diverse audience, the brightness of the lights and volume of the sounds will be lowered and hearing loops provided for the audio installations from local theatre companies, Reading Rep and Rabble.
The already-distanced capacity will be reduced further in each slot and a Trail pack and video will be sent to ticket-holders in advance.
And from 6pm, Santa and his signing elves will be available on Zoom exclusively for families who use British Sign Language, from wherever they are, bookable via WhatsOnReading.com.
Reading Place of Culture lead at Reading UK, Zsuzsi Lindsay said: “We’re thrilled to have already been able to share this magical experience with thousands of visitors and the feedback about both the installations and the safety of the experience has been really heartening.
"We have tried to make the Trail as accessible to as many people as possible and are so pleased to start the school holidays with this special relaxed version.”
Councillor Karen Rowland, cultural lead for Reading Borough Council, said: "After a tough year for so many, we are honoured to be part of such a fantastic local partnership which is brightening our town and bringing holiday joy and cheer to many with this unique attraction.
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"If you haven’t visited the trail yet, I urge you to book your tickets today – it really is spectacular!”
Tickets can be booked via WhatsOnReading.com and, subject to availability, on the door.
Prices vary but start from £9 for midweek slots, with discounts applied for family tickets (two adults, and two or more children) at checkout.
Bookable timeslots every 20mins from 4pm to 8.40pm are available at https://whatsonreading.com/reading-twilight-trail.
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