YOU can look but don't touch at Longleat's spectacular new Land of Light festive display which has just opened for the Christmas and New Year period.

The event runs from today, Thursday, December 3 until Sunday, January 10 inclusive.

Our photographer Siobhan Boyle and her family, partner Phil Brady and their two children Iliad, nine, and Astrid, seven, were given a sneak preview on Tuesday evening.

I took along my wife Feona and believe you me, the spectacular display is like nothing that we've ever seen before.

Thousands of lights make up fantastic displays in 17 themed areas around Longleat House and illuminate the historic home of Ceawlin, the 8th Marquess of Bath and his wife Emma, Viscountess Weymouth.

We were absolutely amazed at the ingenuity and inventiveness of some displays which are accompanied by scents and sounds.

We spent around 90 minutes on a guided 2km long tour. I even spent so long marvelling at one display I lost the rest of the party and got lost in the Secret Garden!

The route is packed full of technology, internally-composed music and synchronised programming to immerse guests.

It takes visitors through 17 unique zones built from over 72,000 individually controlled LED pixels and more than 100,000 individual lights.

On top of the thousands of lights you can expect scent machines, water projection, dancing fountains and even a 2,600 square foot laser room with mirrored walls.

Ribbons of light, flowers, whales diving into the lake, cubes, and an ever-changing myriad of sights and sounds comprise the displays.

You will just stand in awe of some, which include huntsmen on horses, archers, buzzing bees, tinkling bells, and snow trees and owls in Santa's cosy grotto and storytelling area.

The display weaves around the house, through Love Labyrinth and the Sun Maze and past the orangery to the Secret Garden, and then back towards the Longhouse where it ends in a fantastic laser show that is sure to delight children.

Over the next month or so, it is bound to attract thousands of people, even though Longleat will operate at 50 per cent capacity to ensure social distancing regulations are adhered to.

Tickets are being sold on a first come, first served basis so get in quick - and don't forget your face masks.

Entry to the Land of Light will be via pre-bookable time slots and visitors will have full access to park attractions during the day and Land of Light as dusk falls.

Admission is by pre-booked online ticket only at https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/IzpZCK1ooiQ4ZOrfMMYGB/.

Full Day Ticket including entrance to all open attractions during the day and Land of Light in the evening from £36.50 for adults and £27.35 for children (3-15).

Land of Light Tickets only from £27.95 for adults and £20.95 for children (3-15).