Hundreds of people turned out on the first evening of a visual extravaganza in Thetford Forest on Friday.

Designed to entice families into the woodland after dark, Electric Forest encouraged visitors to discover the sights and sounds of the winter forest. Trails were illuminated with a scattering of colourful bulbs, play areas triggered cascades of lights and a series of interactive displays were on hand to busy even the youngest hands.

Further into the woods an “electric avenue”, made up of an aisle of trees lit from the bottom upwards, guided families through the woodland, while a series of small mirror balls reflected their lights well into the trees.

Confectionery stands were hidden amongst the lights, and small fires enabled families to toast marshmallows.

Creative director Phil Supple said about 600 lights and 30km of cable made up the one-mile-long display, and added: “It’s an immersive, illuminated experience. It’s vibrant and sensory but doesn’t take away from looking at the natural sites.

“It’s a seasonal experience but offers an antidote to the excesses of the season.

“This is about showing the woodland has a lot more to offer than just riding a bike along the trails.”

The event had been set to arrive in the forest in December last year but poor weather forced organisers, Culture Creative, to cancel and rearrange for February this year. However, poor ticket sales meant it was cancelled for a second time.

Tickets to the Electric Forest, which will run until December 18 from 5pm to 8pm, are priced at �15.50 per adult, �10 for concessions and �41 for a family ticket (all fully inclusive of parking, booking fees will apply.)