SU Festive Light Trail

Introducing SU Festive Light Trail

An illuminated light trail set to take you on a magical journey through the trees and around the lakes

Be guided by festival lighting and fairy lights, wander through neon light tunnels, illuminated trees, mirror balls and a huge light tunnel.

Sip on a mulled wine or warm up with a hot chocolate and soak in the sounds of our festive playlist.  

There’s lots to do and snap throughout.

And the best part? It’s completely free for students.

TICKETS

Running Wednesday 4 December - Friday 6 December 17:00-21:00, with an accessible and sensory friendly hour from 16:00-17:00.

STUDENTS - Sign up for early access to tickets 👇

FAQs

The trail will take place on December 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2024. Students of the University of Essex, along with university staff and Students’ Union staff and their guests, can visit the trail on the 4th and 5th. The trail will be open to the general public on December 6th.

Yes, tickets are limited for each time slot so must be pre-booked to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.

The event is free for students of the University of Essex. Staff members from the University and Students’ Union can purchase tickets for £5. We warmly welcome members of the general public to our SU Festive Light Trail on the 6th December; entry is £7.50, and children under 3 attend for free. On Friday, December 6, 2024, the general public is invited to join the trail without needing to be accompanied by a University or Students’ Union staff member. Carer tickets are free.

The event is free for students of the University of Essex. Staff members from the University and Students’ Union can purchase tickets for £5. We warmly welcome members of the general public to our SU Festive Light Trail on the 6th December; entry is £7.50, and children under 3 attend for free. On Friday, December 6, 2024, the general public is invited to join the trail without needing to be accompanied by a University or Students’ Union staff member. Carer tickets are free.

Unfortunately, due to the high demand for tickets, they are strictly non-refundable.

You will receive an email after you’ve purchased your tickets. This will serve as proof of payment and can be shown on your phone/handheld device on the day of entry.

The SU Festive Light Trail is approximately 1.1km in length.

Our trail primarily follows pedestrian paths, but there are segments where you'll be walking on grass and rough tracking. Additionally, some sections of the route include inclines and declines. If you need an accessible route please book either 4pm or 4.30 (the accessible slots) and we will be able to provide an accessible route.

Free parking for all three days is available at Valley Car Park which is located down Park Road. Please see this map.

The trail is one way and you will only be allowed to walk around it once in your time slot, don't worry though there's plenty to see and do during your slot.

You can arrive any time during your time slot, please make sure you arrive during your time slot.

Please head to outside of the Silberrad building. You can find a map at the bottom of this page.

There will be pulsating and flashing light effects across all sections of our light trails (with additional haze/smoke effects at various points).

Food and drinks will be available for purchase at various locations along the trail during the event.

We will have 10% off in Top Bar for all attendees. All you will need to do to gain this discount is show your entry band.

Dog are not allowed; however assistant dogs are allowed. If you have any questions about the route regarding your assistant dog, please contact suengagement@essex.ac.uk.

Unless the weather presents a safety issue, the event will go ahead in all conditions (rain or shine!) so please come prepared. We suggest you wrap up warm and wear appropriate footwear for the winter weather.

In extreme weather conditions where a safety issue is presented, notification of cancellation will be emailed to all ticket holders and also posted on our website and social media channels.

Yes, the Festive Light Trail is for all students at the University of Essex. If you need help with transport costs, we will be able to subsidise this by ÂŁ10, please contact suengagement@essex.ac.uk

HOW TO FIND US

Your adventure starts at the Silberrad Plaza, where you’ll check in, before following the route around the lakes, ending at the festive food & drink stands.