ANGELIC imagery found in historic artworks has provided the heavenly inspiration for this year’s festive spectacular at Castle Howard.

Creative producer and co-director of Oxford Shakespeare Company and Lamplighter Drama, Charlotte Lloyd Webber, and award-winning Canadian theatre designer, Bretta Gerecke joined the Howard family and site team to transform the house into a remarkable Christmas experience that feels like a theatre performance – but without live performers.

Charlotte said: “As a theatre practitioner, the idea of a house that’s built on theatre, as this was, by playwright and dramatist, Vanbrugh, is totally fascinating. It’s a bit like theatre made stone.

“We want visitors to walk through the spaces and feel that they are familiar and beautiful and respectful of the house, but also a bit magical, infused with our own new offerings for Christmas.”

The Hon Nicholas Howard, said: “Castle Howard has a long reputation for having the most elaborate and extensive Christmas decorations in Yorkshire, and dressing a property of this size is a huge undertaking, so we are delighted to have Charlotte and Bretta leading the team this year.

“Their understanding of the architectural drama within the house has enabled them to develop this unique theme that will connect every room in such a beautiful way.”

Castle Howard will be opening late for twilight visits on the weekend of December 16 and 17. The Christmas decorations are part of a programme of seasonal activity at Castle Howard. For more details, visit castlehoward.co.uk or phone 01653 348333.