Festival of Light and Colour at Basildon Park

Visitors are invited to experience a festival of light and colour at Basildon Park over the October half-term.

The country house will be illuminated with outdoor and indoor decorations from Saturday, October 22, to Sunday, October 30.

An acclaimed artist will be producing a rangoli live between 11am and noon on the Saturday, which will remain on display throughout the week.

Visitors are encouraged to create their own rangoli in the 1950s kitchen.

A rangoli is a large-scale, temporary design created on a floor from brightly coloured ground rice.

Others may wish to wander the woodland walk, laced by fairy lights and an autumn colour trail in the gardens.

Greeting guests on entry will be colourful torans (bright garlands) with lanterns, diyas, tea lights and coloured projections glowing inside the house.

Evocative scents and soothing music will guide visitors through the mansion’s historic interior.

Artist Rohit Rajagur will be creating a rangoli live in the ballroom centring around traditional imagery of elephants, diya and floral patterns.

Mr Rajagur said: "Colours, light and intricacy! I will be showcasing my vibrant and colourful display of rangoli art.

"I have showcased my artwork around the world since the age of eight years old and I am thrilled to present my rangoli again at Basildon Park.

"This year, my rangoli will tell a tale about how families across Britain come together to celebrate this festival of lights."

Sebastian Conway, collections and house manager at Basildon Park, said: "Our festival of light celebrates this most colourful time of year, which is meaningful for lots of people in different ways.

"We are also delighted to welcome back Rohit Rajaguru to create our rangoli.

"It’s fascinating to watch his designs emerge and we hope to welcome lots of visitors on the 22 to see him at work."

The event itself is free, but normal admission applies.