Thursford "Christmas Spectacular" - November, 2021

There were 30 of us in all and the first day was spent travelling to Swaffham in Norfolk, where we enjoyed a plentiful pub lunch before continuing our journey to Langham Glass.
The glass making demonstrations were very informative and they had some beautiful products on display in their showroom.
The main highlight of our trip was of course, the Thursford Spectacular Show – a wonderful setting, Christmas on a grand scale and really excellent performances from superbly talented singers, dancers and musicians.
Santa’s Magical Journey together with the light trail were splendid!
After two nights in our hotel, we ventured out to Newmarket Racecourse on our final day to explore Presents Galore, the Festive Fair before making our way home. - Sue Russell
"Thanks for organising a great weekend – I know how much work you put in to these events and it is much appreciated."- David & Lynda Warburton

The Group and coach

Our Hotel in Upper Sherringham

Lunch at "The Red Lion", Swaffham

We're ready for our lunch!

Is that Buck's fizz - seems like someone is enjoying it!

At Langham Glass - having our own tutorial

It was fascinating to watch the process

Rolling and gradually blowing into the bubble of molten glass

A Robin, just made, it is still red-hot and the colouring will change once it has cooled

After various items were made, showing us how they were produced, we all appreciated the demonstration

The next day brought out the Christmas jumpers. A stop in Holt before going to Thursford

Thursford entrance - we arrived early so that we could visit "Fantasyland" before the show.

"Fantasyland" is an indoor presentation of "Santa's Magical Journey into Christmas", with moving figures accompanied by music

Fantasyland - there was a lot to see

Fantasyland - Father Christmas riding on a goose!

A Fantasyland penguin and chick

Fantasyland elf and snowman

An elf is always happy in his (or her) work!

After our visit to Fantasyland, we entered the auditorium - there was seating for 1,500 people for each performance.

The stage is the widest in the UK with over 150 performers taking part. Video screens showed information about the performance, before the show started.

The auditorium had fairground rides and organs around the sides.

One of the Organs

The beautiful carousel

After the show, we visiting the "Enchanted Journey of Light" - a lantern trail through the grounds.

There were lit and moving presentations of animals and flowers, accompanied by sound effects and music

Lion and fantasy mushrooms

on Safari

Tiger

A general view of the area

Flowers and mushrooms

Warthog

Illuminated crocodile looking very Disney like...

"Birds"

"Love"

The penguins from the film "Madagascar"

Walrus sharing an iceflow

"Polar bear"

Returning to the Hotel, it was time for our Christmas Dinner and our Driver decided to dress up for the occasion!

Some of us also joined in, but not as extreme!

Looking glamorous!

Crackers were pulled and hats worn

We all had a good time and the food was excellent

Everyone looking satisfied after the meal

A few bottles were emptied

Conversation continued

The glasses were gradually emptying

The party carried on in the lounge after the meal

More drinks were had
