![A lion lantern is one of the items being auctioned at Longleat[1][2]](https://i0.wp.com/www.thevisitormagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/A-lion-lantern-is-one-of-the-items-being-auctioned-at-Longleat12.jpg)
A unique set of animal themed giant Chinese lanterns are set to be sold this week in a live online auction with proceeds going to The Duke of Cambridge’s African wildlife conservation charity Tusk. Longleat is to put up to 19 items for auction, all especially made by a team from China as part of the Festival of Light Event which ran over the Christmas period on the Wiltshire Estate. The Festival of Light attracted more than 150,000 visitors and saw thousands of enormous hand crafted illuminated designs, some measuring up to 20 metres in height, transform the Wiltshire estate in to a glowing wonderland. Full story: Read more
Somerset Chamber appoints new CEO
The Somerset Chamber of Commerce has appointed its new CEO following the departure of Rupert Cox at the end of December. Neil Murphy, who brings a wealth of management and operations experience, will officially begin his new role at the Chamber on 2nd February. Murphy is experienced in leading and growing businesses in a variety of market sectors, from large corporates to SMEs. He most recently held the position of Managing Director for G4S Cash Solutions in Dubai, a company where he worked for 10 years before returning to the UK to look for a new challenge. Full story: Read more
Charity seeks riders for Brunel Flyer cycle challenge
The Brunel Flyer Cycle Challenge will take place this spring and children’s charity Action Medical Research is calling for riders to sign up now for the event on Sunday 10 May. There is a choice of Cool (40 miles,) Classic (61 miles) and Champion (100 miles) routes setting out from the Wellsway Sports Centre, Chandag road in Keynsham. The routes take in the stunning scenery surrounding Bath including, the Chew Valley, Cheddar, White Horse at Westbury, and Longleat Estate. Full story: Read more