Thousands enjoyed the Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas event.

The event opened on Thursday, November 28, despite thieves stealing cables worth £80,000 from the 180-acre Romsey arboretum just days before.

Organisers worked tirelessly to replace the power lines and repair the damage in time for the opening night.

They were met with an outpouring of support from the local community, eager to see the show go on.

The Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas event features the botanical collections illuminated by a series of light art installations.

It also includes the Joy Village, where visitors can enjoy an expanded menu of festive food and drink.

On Super Peak nights, the light art is enhanced by live entertainment from Steamship Circus, featuring fire jugglers and aerial performers.

Directors Libby Battaglia and Lucinda Croft said: "It was an incredible effort from all concerned – a heart-warming high after a potentially devastating low.

"Festival Power went above and beyond to source specialist cables from all over the country, while Wolf Lighting and PK-UK Events worked with us through the night to deliver perfect light and sound solutions, and SOS worked with our design team, all managed by our technical director, the amazing James Smith.

"And extra special thanks are due to the Hillier Gardens horticultural team who managed something extraordinary – planting 3,000 flowers in the Centenary Border in just three hours.

"Over the last few days we have witnessed the true, collaborative spirit of Christmas at work. The support we have received has been phenomenal – genuinely (and literally!) moving."

The event is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors over the coming weeks. It runs until Wednesday, January 1.

The Light Up Trail has also been recognised as a finalist in two categories at the Tourism South East Beautiful South Tourism Awards.

This guarantees it will win a gold, silver, or bronze title at the ceremony in Brighton on Tuesday, December 10.

Tickets for Light Up Sir Harold Hillier Gardens At Christmas start at £12.50 for children, £20 for adults, and £61 for a family.

Free parking is included with an entrance ticket.

For more information or to book tickets, visit lightuptrails.com.