Annual Christmas Light Trail Event - Sir Harold Hillier Gardens

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (SHHG), a nationally significant 180-acre arboretum near Romsey, Hampshire, is seeking a provider to design and deliver an annual outdoor illuminated light trail event. The event runs for 6 weeks between late November and early January and has grown successfully since 2021, with increasing visitor numbers and ticket sales. The Gardens are operated as a registered charitable trust with Hampshire County Council as trustee. The successful provider will be responsible for all aspects of event delivery including light trail design, lighting installation, e-ticketing, marketing, staffing, logistics, parking, stewarding, security, health and safety compliance, and catering facilities. The event must accommodate approximately 90,000 visitors annually while respecting the Grade II listed landscape and ensuring safe, accessible, and inclusive experiences that align with the Gardens' charitable aims. This is a 10-year contract with an annual venue fee of £125,000 plus revenue sharing on ticket sales exceeding 75,000 visitors. The appointed provider must work collaboratively with SHHG and Hampshire County Council to integrate the event with the Gardens' identity and mission.