The glowing Mediterranean Biome provides a delightful backdrop to the enchanting performances, taking place from 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm on selected dates throughout December.
The Eden Big Band has been specially put together for this year’s programme and is made up of a conductor, 15 instrumentalists, and vocalists Sylvia McEwen and Jimmy Cannon, making it the largest ensemble that has ever appeared at Christmas at Eden.
Over the sets, visitors can enjoy a total of 17 musical numbers including festive favourites such as It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and White Christmas.
Other highlights include The Nutcracker Suite, which sees the entirety of The Nutcracker condensed into six minutes.
Musical Supervisor Matt Harrison is overseeing Eden’s Christmas music programme for the fourth consecutive year.
Matt said: “The quality of musicianship in the band is incredible. It’s made up of some of the finest musicians in the region, led by Musical Director Patrick Bailey.
“In a period that has been incredibly difficult for the performing arts, we are all so grateful to be performing again in front of appreciative audiences. We are playing music that is full of nostalgia, fun, and sing-alongs and it is getting the audiences swinging into Christmas time.”
Emma Evans, Eden’s Director of Marketing and Audiences, said: “After what has been another incredibly difficult year for everyone we are so pleased to be able to welcome our visitors for our new Christmas programme.
“It is great to see families coming together this festive season and enjoying some wonderful live music, beautiful lights and our ever-popular ice rink.”
The band perform live in the Citrus Grove, surrounded by sparking LED lights, while the Biome twinkles in a festive Winter Wonderland theme.
A mirror ball hanging high above the band and reflecting the lights gives visitors a sense of being in a huge snow globe.
Meanwhile, the tropical Rainforest Biome is awash with colourful lighting to create a quieter, more reflective experience with focused lighting displays around key areas adding to the enchanting atmosphere.
Visitors can add extra sparkle to their Christmas visit by enjoying Eden’s ever-popular ice rink. Forty-minute sessions cost £8-10 per adult and £7-8 per child.
Christmas at Eden takes place on December 10-12, 16-23, 27-30. Eden will be open until 8pm on each of these days, with the Eden Big Band playing at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
For more information on Eden’s Christmas experience see www.edenproject.com
