Posted on 6 December 2012
The fireplace in the festive front hall
Gregynog Hall is gearing up for an extra special Christmas this year, transforming a cabin in the wood into a magical Santa’s Grotto, staging a pantomime and hosting a series of festive parties, lunches and winter walks.
Run by the University of Wales, Gregynog Hall is a picturesque and historic conference, event and study venue that nestles in glorious parkland on the edge of the Tregynon village, near Newtown.
The festive season at Gregynog began on the 26th November when it held a Christmas flower and food event. The day’s events included a practical flower arranging workshop with Annette Dowling, a Christmas cookery demonstration by head chef Heiko Simmchen, and a delicious two course lunch which was well attended and enjoyed by all.
This was followed by a Christmas Concert on the 2nd December organised by the Friends of Gregynog. This delightful afternoon of music featured the winner of the Gregynog Young Musicians Competition, oboe player Tom Blomfield, with coffee and mince pies getting everyone into the festive spirit.
With the Christmas programme of events already underway, there are still plenty more opportunities to get involved.
On the 9th, 15th and 16th of December, Santa’s Grotto will be open to visitors with staff hoping for a sprinkling of snow to complete the Narnia style setting. The entry fee of £4.50 per child includes a gift and a hot chocolate.
Families are also catered for with the pantomime Aladdin, with two shows on the 16th December at 3pm and 6.30pm. Performed by Fame Factory, this spectacular show delivers all that is expected from a fabulous pantomime. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £7 for children or £29 for families.
For those who enjoy walking, Gregynog Hall has a range of winter walks to offer on its 750-acre country estate. With the lake in the Valley walk fully restored, and 1,000 winter pansies planted in the grounds, visitors can take in the beautiful scenery and routes and then return to the hall where a warming bowl of Welsh cawl awaits them.
To book tickets or for more information about the upcoming events, please visit the Gregynog website – www.gregynog.wales.ac.uk or telephone 01686 650224.