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A popular annual event that sees trees lit up, installations and fairground rides is now in its 17th year.

The director of Westonbirt Arboretum, Andrew Smith, called the Enchanted Christmas the attraction's "signature event".

The first light show was held in 1998, and alongside summer concerts, it is one of the biggest attractions at the Gloucestershire site.

The Enchanted Christmas evenings start on Friday, finishing on 23 December.

Mr Smith said that as well as attracting locals, the illuminations bring people from across the country.

And while the shows have become familiar over the years, he said: "People who have been for several years will see something new."

He said he thinks other organisations have "unashamedly" used the idea, including one which sent someone along 12 years ago "to copy the concept".

The arboretum's events manager, Zoe Tyler, said it had taken a month to set up all the lighting and they usually start discussing the event in January.

She said her favourite bit was an "interactive installation which warms you up as you are about half way" - and buttons which visitors could press to reveal lights, smoke and sound effects.

Relaxed sessions for those with different needs, such as autism, are being run on Saturday and 2 December, 16:00 GMT to 17:00 GMT. These will involve fewer flashing lights, sounds and smoke.

Forestry England has said tickets for the evenings have to be booked in advance.

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