Britain’s world-famous motor racing circuit Silverstone opened its annual Silverstone’s Lap of Lights season this week.
Officially opened by the World Championship winning Mercedes-AMG Petronas W10 Formula 1 car driven by Anthony Davidson, he drove a fast festive lap with the car decorated in Christmas lights.
It was quite a spectacle for fans lucky enough to be at the preview event which also included NHS and Emergency Service employees and their families as well as staff from Silverstone.
Visitors to Silverstone’s Lap of Lights annual event can experience the signature attraction, a lap around the Silverstone circuit in their own car while watching a host of lighting installations representing different regions of the World. There is also the Lap of Lights Ice Trak, the first-ever skating rink to feature at the circuit, skating around the Formula 1 pit lane and garages. The Lodge is the main hospitality area with activities including axe throwing, curling, a children’s cinema and a Santa letter corner.
As he climbed out of the car Anthony Davidson commented “That was really exhilarating in the dark following the lights around the circuit although it was a bit scary at times!”
Silverstone Managing Director, Stuart Pringle, commented “Anthony and Mercedes-AMG Petronas have put on a great show for us tonight and I could not think of a more fitting way to open Lap of Lights. I have had to reassure Father Christmas that the rest of our nights will be run at a more subdued pace as I think he got a bit of a shock this evening when he saw the stunning W10 approach his grotto at speed! After 11 months of planning it is great to see so many families here having fun and I look forward to welcoming many more over the festive period.”
Silverstone’s Lap of Lights ticket prices start at £30 per car including all occupants. Ice Trak is from £8 for adults, £6 per child. Entry to the Lodge is free with a Lap of Lights ticket. The event opens on 26 November and runs through to 3 January (closed on 29, 30 November and 25 December). Full details and booking at Silverstone Circuit.