A SPECTACULAR celebration on Friday to mark the end of a summer-long art project at Castle Drogo was described as one of the best nights ever at the National Trust property.
Property manager Peter Jennings said the illuminated procession, music and array of various forms of fire aided by a perfect full moon and superb weather was 'absolutely wonderful'.
'It was one of those magical nights that you could never re-create — everything just worked and both the children and adults had a great time,' he said.
The event rounded off the 'Year of the Artist' project which involved children from different schools including Chagford and South Tawton working with Japanese ceramicist Taja to produce innovative sculptures for the grounds.
A giant puppet of Alice in Wonderful, reflecting one of the sculptures, led the procession through the garden and a trumpet fanfare heralded the arrival of the King and Queen of Hearts. There were woodland pixies, dancing illuminated roses and spider and bat puppets in the surrounding trees.
A flaming sculpture of the lion of Drogo, jugglers with lit torches and a dramatic firework display and Samba band completed the celebrations.
The event attracted 130 people and Mr Jennings said because it was so popular with the locals, ideas for future events of this kind were already being discussed.