COLOUR and culture are illuminated by light.

Winding our way along pathways we are greeted by the sight of a pair of majestic swans, illuminated Zodiac signs, peddling pandas on bicycles and Father Christmas and his grotto.

Further along our route, we find the stunning moon-lit display straddling the water and, close by, a giant illuminated ladybird sits comfortably on the lawn surrounded by colourful umbrellas.

There are so many other beautiful blooms I can't put my camera away, yet I'm also conscious my snapping at everything I see is hampering progress, yet I'm keen to capture every moment.

Open-mouthed, almost, at some of the intricacy of the spectacular displays, we make our way through The Magical Lantern Festival.

Making its debut in Yorkshire, and following on from the success of its UK launch in London last year, the festival at Roundhay Park in Leeds, one of the largest urban parks in the world, is, well - what can I say - magical.

The park, which boasts 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland, is the perfect setting for the festival - a perfect feel-good festive destination whether you are visiting for a pre-festive treat or after the festivities when seeking things to do during this precious family time.

Covering approximately 10 acres of the site, the lantern trail is a visual spectacular, comprising more than 30 giant handmade lantern displays, which will delight and entertain, particularly young ones who will be fascinated by the bold, bright colours and intricate illuminations.

Colour, characters and lights, The Magical Lantern Festival, has it all and just when you think you have seen it all, the fantasy continues...

Within the Alhambra Garden are the magical and mystical dragons, symbolic of the Chinese tradition. Of course, lanterns are a strong focus of those traditions with a rich history spanning 2000 years.

Around every twist and turn on our pathway through this fusion of art, culture and illumination, there is a spectacular sight to behold.

Lanterns, some of the most artistic and beautifully constructed installations outside China, of all shapes and sizes light our way along the route.

Visitors will see illuminations of characters. A mermaid perches on a jelly fish surrounded by other sealife and, in keeping with the festive tradition, Father Christmas stands by his grotto.

The intricacy of the displays are eye-catching - lanterns of all shapes and sizes also depicting prancing horses and elephants are just some of the

animal world inhabitants you come across, oh and if you take a closer look you may also get near to nature - you never know what colourful sights will greet you perched on branches, or floating above the ground.

A giant vase-shaped lantern symbolic of the traditional blue and white Chinese porcelain, and the spectacular dragons in the Alhambra Garden are certainly among the highlights.

The Lantern Festival is open from Thursday to Sunday each week and will be open every day during the Christmas holidays apart from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Although entry to the festival is at 4pm, there is an entertainment area serving international food and beverages. There is also a Santa's Grotto as well as funfair rides and games.

The entertainment area can be accessed separately from the Festival entrance from 2pm each day.

Since its launch in London last year, the Magical Lantern Festival attracted more than 110,000 people in six weeks and has been short-listed for awards.

Among the Leeds Festival's partners are The Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Welcome to Yorkshire and Leeds City Council.

The entrance to the Magical Lantern Festival is located in Princess Avenue, Roundhay Park, Leeds,

For more information visit magicallantern.uk/yorkshire.

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