We are pleased to announce that LCI Productions has secured a three-year contract to deliver Port Lympne Safari Park’s annual seasonal light trail, Port Lympne Illuminated.
Following the success of last year’s debut event, we will return to design and deliver an expanded trail experience across the safari park’s 600-acre site.
In 2025, Port Lympne Illuminated welcomed nearly 70,000 visitors between 28 November 2025 and 3 January 2026. The new contract allows us to build on that success with additional themed areas, original IP and new technical features.
Expanding The Seasonal Trail Experience
This year’s trail will introduce new themed zones and installations, combining narrative storytelling with lighting, interactive features, water effects, LED displays and holographic content.
Guests will move through an enchanted winter setting guided by hologram fairies and festive elves, with each area designed to support a connected route through the park.
New elements include hidden animal kingdoms brought to life through life-sized 3D animals, holographic techniques and atmospheric lighting. The trail will also feature a technicolour rainbow LED tunnel, an Elf Forest with interactive moments, illuminated animal sculptures and beacon pathways that support wayfinding.
Physical And Digital Storytelling
Across the trail, our team is combining original IP with physical scenic environments and digital technologies to create a coherent seasonal experience.
More than 500 lanterns will form a fairytale canopy through the tree line, while the Orangery will host a laser disco using holofan technology and character-led content.
The experience will conclude with a water show featuring dancing fountains, moving lights, a new music track and flame effects.
Food and beverage areas, illuminated tunnels and themed signage will also be integrated into the wider visitor journey, supporting both atmosphere and operational flow.
Delivering Within An Active Safari Environment
Port Lympne’s conservation mission remains central to the project. Working in an active safari park requires careful planning, particularly around animal routines, lighting levels, sound placement and installation access.
We will continue to work closely with Port Lympne’s animal handlers to place each lighting effect, audio element and installation with minimal disruption to the animals.
Tony Kelly, Managing Director at Port Lympne, has said the renewed partnership with LCI follows a successful first year and supports the park’s ambition to create a seasonal experience that grows year on year.
Rob Paul, Design Director at LCI Productions, has highlighted the technical and logistical complexity of delivering a trail across varied terrain within a live safari setting. He also noted the importance of Port Lympne’s site knowledge, welfare focus and collaborative approach.
Building A Long-Term Seasonal Attraction
For LCI Productions, the three-year agreement reflects our experience in designing large-scale light trails, multimedia attractions and story-led visitor experiences.
The next phase of Port Lympne Illuminated will allow us to develop the event as a long-term seasonal offer, combining creative design, technical delivery and sensitive site integration within one of the UK’s most distinctive safari environments.
