Christmas Light Trail for Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Hampshire County Council, which acts as trustee and provides strategic oversight for the charitable Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, is seeking a provider for a 10-year concession to deliver the Gardens’ annual outdoor illuminated Christmas light trail. The provider must design and operate a high-quality, immersive, ticketed six-week event running from late November to early January, targeting continued growth towards 90,000 visitors while supporting the Gardens’ charitable aims. Scope includes lighting design and installation, e-ticketing, marketing, staffing, logistics, catering facilities, parking arrangements, stewarding, security, event management, and health and safety, with delivery respecting the Grade II listed landscape and providing a safe, accessible and inclusive experience. The event will be delivered at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens near Romsey, Hampshire, within the UKJ3 region. The contract value is estimated at £15 million, and the provider will pay Hampshire County Council an annual premises fee of £125,000 excluding VAT, plus a concession fee on ticket income above 75,000 visitors. The critical qualification is the ability to deliver the complete event safely and collaboratively within the sensitivities of a Grade II listed landscape.
Buyer: Hampshire County Council. Source: Find a Tender. Updated 30 Sept 2026.
Key facts
- Estimated value: £15m
- Bids close: 30 Oct 2026
- Location: Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Central Hampshire
- Procedure: Open procedure
- Contract period: 16 Jan 2027 to 15 Jan 2037
- Category: Event services (79952000)
From the official notice
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (SHHG) is a nationally significant arboretum located near Romsey, Hampshire, comprising approximately 180 acres and housing one of the most comprehensive collections of hardy trees and shrubs in the UK. The Gardens are operated as a registered charitable trust, with Hampshire County Council acting as trustee and retaining responsibility for strategic oversight and governance. Since 2021, SHHG has hosted an annual outdoor illuminated light trail with the aim of reaching a wider audience to support its charitable aims and sustained growth. The event has been successful over the past four years, with year-on-year growth in both visitor numbers and light trail ticket sales. The existing contract for delivery of the light trail expires on 15 January 2027. Given the success of the light trail, SHHG is seeking a provider to continue delivering an annual high-quality outdoor illuminated light trail for public sale that shall be ticketed for the duration of 6 weeks, between the end of November and the beginning of January. The appointed provider will be expected to design and deliver an exciting and immersive visitor experience that showcases the Gardens during evening hours, supports continued growth in visitor numbers towards a target of 90,000 visitors, and aligns with the Gardens’ charitable aims. The Council intends to enter into a concession contract for provision of the services for a total duration of 10 years. The service must be delivered in a mann...
View the official notice
Questions about this tender
When is the deadline?
Bids close on 30 Oct 2026.
What is it worth?
The estimated value is £15m.
Who can apply?
Any supplier that meets the buyer's requirements can apply. Check the official notice for conditions.
How do I bid?
Open the official notice, register on the buyer's portal and submit your bid before the deadline.
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