Tinsel Trail Unveils New Features for Christmas Season

The annual Tinsel Trail has officially reopened in Jolendale Park, offering visitors an enhanced experience with new artistic features and improved accessibility. Organiser Christine Ridd decided to merge two planned trails into one, allowing for a more cohesive journey through festive displays. The new location, just off Peterson Place, features a path that is easier for strollers and wheelchairs, broadening the trail’s appeal to visitors of all abilities.

Significant preparation took place prior to the reopening, with the trail team clearing fallen branches and mowing grass to ensure safe passage for walkers. According to trail helper Ken Churchill, the initial groundwork began earlier this year, requiring tools such as weed eaters to tackle the tall, prickly grass that obstructed the path.

Ridd commenced her artistic preparations in May, introducing several new attractions to the trail. Among them are a shire path inspired by The Hobbit, a tree themed around the animated film Despicable Me, and a section adorned with New Zealand-themed stones. Returning favourites include a refurbished display of baby shark and a nativity scene, which continue to captivate audiences.

Visitor feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Gretta Stephens, a local resident, brought her family to experience the trail and shared that her grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed the new setup. “I think it’s really good … but it is easier for the kids,” she noted, reflecting on the trail’s accessibility improvements. The family, familiar with previous iterations of the trail, was pleasantly surprised by its relocation.

The Tinsel Trail is expected to remain open throughout the Christmas season, closing in January 2024. Ridd has already begun envisioning future enhancements, expressing her ambition to include a SpongeBob theme for next year. “Yeah, absolutely. It was just continuous from morning to night,” Ridd remarked about the influx of visitors, which keeps her motivated to improve the trail each year.

As the festive season approaches, the Tinsel Trail promises to be a vibrant attraction, drawing families and art enthusiasts alike to experience the seasonal joy and creativity on display.