WORLD'S BIGGEST PLAY SCULPTURE OPENS IN NORTHUMBERLAND

Lilidorei, a magical and mystical world of play, was conceived by the Duchess of Northumberland, and has received funding from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. The £15 million project has created 50 new jobs and will be an all year round destination for the region.

Pronounced Lil-ee-door-ee, the attraction is a magical kingdom ruled by Lord Elfwin from high up in his tower of Elfwin Drin (the largest play structure in the world). Lilidorei is home to 9 clans – some friendly, some less so, who all worship Christmas. Despite their HUGE presence within Lilidorei, they cannot be seen by the human eye. The lucky team of Secret Keepers know more about them than most, so they can give you clues as you use your own imagination to create your own story.

Lilidorei aims to create an environment that encourages both imaginary and physical play. Although there are no inhabitants in the village, you may hear them when walking around from the immervise soundscape that has been created and you can explore each of the clans habitats and find out more about how they live.

Visiting is divided into 3 play sessions, a morning session from 9am - 11,45am, an afternoon session from 12.30pm - 3.15pm and a tea time session running from 4pm - 6.45pm. Pre-booking via the Alnwick Garden Website is essential, and please note there is limited availability throughout the summer holidays.

The play park is the second major project supported by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to open in Northumberland, and aims to emulate the early success of the Ad Gefrin museum and distillery.

The Deal’s main objective is to deliver sustainable and inclusive economic benefits across the North of England and South of Scotland over the ten years of the programme. Both Lilidorei and Ad Gefrin were awarded funding from the initiative to create jobs and bring visitors to the region.

The park was officially opened by Jane Percy, Duchess of Northumberland, who said: “Lilidorei has lived in my imagination for the past 12 years, and I am delighted to bring my creative vision to life. We want to encourage children away from screens and into this magical giant playground where their imaginations can run wild.”

Cllr Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council and Borderlands Partnership Board Member, said: “The Duchess wanted to bring some magic to Northumberland through Lilidorei and the result looks truly magical.

"Alnwick is already an important location for tourism, and this development is sure to attract more visitors to the town and the county. It is also fantastic to see another Borderlands supported project through to completion, demonstrating that we are delivering on our promises to create jobs and drive growth.” www.lilidoreialnwick.co.uk

Dehenna Davison MP, Levelling Up Minister, said: “I am delighted to see our ambitious plan to level up the Borderlands region come to life with the opening of a fantastic new visitor attraction in Alnwick.

“Our £5.5 million investment in this exciting project will see Lilidorei create new local jobs, activities for local children and bring even more tourists to the local area.

Olivia Priest has a BSc and MSc in Sports Injury Management. Her treatment approach involves a consultation and detailed care plan that uses various effective techniques to help you recover, manage and heal from a wide range of injuries and conditions.

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