LONGLEAT kicked off its highly anticipated 50th anniversary celebrations in style today with a series of events at the estate.

The popular safari park, which was the first of its kind to open outside of Africa, opened its doors to the public in 1966 despite concerns from local politicians.

It now has around 500 employees, 1,119 animals from 106 different species and attracts around one million visitors from all over the world every year.

To mark the start of the 50th anniversary celebrations, Ceawlin and Emma, Viscount and Viscountess of Weymouth, welcomed a fleet of vintage cars at the entrance to the safari park and replicated a photo of Henry Thynne which was taken on the park’s opening day.

Ceawlin Thynn, Chairman of Longleat Enterprises, said: “It’s a very big day for us, half a century since the safari park opened.

“It was great fun recreating the photo of my grandfather and it was a wonderful moment to see all of those classic cars from 1966 gathered outside.

“In 50 years’ time I hope we have another day like this and we’ll be talking about more innovations at the park.

“We’ve got lots of ideas for Longleat in the coming years and there are some animals I would like to see here, but I can’t announce anything just yet.”

A giant four-metre-tall sculpture of a lion, designed and created by South African artist Bruce Little, was also on display for the first time outside Longleat House.

Wildlife photographer Simon King, who has spent months photographing Longleat's animals, showed off his new exhibition, located in the centre of the park.

To mark Longleat’s 50th anniversary celebrations there will also be a new lion-shaped hot air balloon, a concert with Elton John and live shows performed by Animal Park presenters Ben Fogle and Kate Humble.

For more information, visit: https://www.longleat.co.uk/