FAMILIES shrugged off the cold to try out a feast of light and sound that is providing a half-term treat with a difference at Moors Valley Country Park.

The Electric Forest is a trail of colourful light installations and sound which is open from 6.30pm-9pm each night this week, allowing visitors to explore the woodland in a way they wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to.

The 2km walk is family-friendly, said park staff, and visitors have already said how spectacular the show is.

Zoe Bottrell, director of Culture Creative, which is behind the event, said: “Rather than retreat indoors over winter we’ve found that people like to get outdoors and discover the local landscapes from a different perspective.

“Our partnership with the Forestry Commission has taken The Electric Forest to some wonderful woodland locations throughout the country and Moors Valley, with its wondrous swathes of pines, waymarked woodland tracks and imaginative play structures, is a perfect landscape to bring to life after dark for all the family to enjoy.”

The Electric Forest team has worked closely with Moors Valley rangers to pick out elements of the forest’s canopy and woodland to enhance with light and sound, although visitors are still advised to bring a torch along.

Zoe added: “This night-time ramble will be an exploration into the forest at night that will have illuminated playscapes for children to clamber over, sound installations to listen to and a magical tree-top ‘ballroom’ walkway, which will be transformed by gently spinning mirror balls, to discover – we’re also planning a forest treasure trail for kids to follow.”

Tickets for the event, which runs until Sunday, February 19, cost £15.50 for adults and £10 for children aged five to 16. Concessions and family tickets are also available.

Visit theelectricforest.co.uk or call 03000 680 400.

Laura Richards from Christchurch said: “I think it’s absolutely brilliant. I’m really pleased we came despite the cold. It's a completely different experience at night like this."

Sharron Davis, from Poole, said: “The kids love it. Plus they get to stay out longer. It may be cold but they are running about lots so it’s not too bad.

“I’ll be telling people to come down.”

Ed Sharples, who was enjoying the attraction with a group of friends, said: “We’re here for someone’s birthday. It’s something everyone can enjoy – really effective.”