Most of us are familiar with them: Mowgli, Bagheera, Baloo, Shere Kahn and friends.
Yes, the Jungle Book characters have enchanted young and old alike down the years.
But this year, people in Belgium have a chance to enjoy Rudyard Kipling’s jungle residents in an entirely different light – literally.
They will take centre-stage of this year’s annual light show in Belgium’s 2nd city.
Every year the Antwerp Zoo forms the backdrop for a great light show and this year is no different though the 2019 version revolves around the story of Mowgli et al.
For the story, the zoo returned to the original Kipling book. The Chinese light artworks transport you to the Indian jungle where the famous animal figures experience their adventures.
The whole story is told in the zoo’s huge gardens with light sculptures and compositions, which are brought to life three-dimensionally to illustrate the different story scenes.
The work that has gone into putting on the now traditional light festival at the zoo is particularly impressive.
Consider this: it comprises 68 compositions; 3,500 light objects (800 more than last year); 150 animals; 45 tons of steel and 32 containers. There are no less than 25,000 energy-efficient lights; 15,000 meters of cable and 23,000 meters of satin.
Some 5,000 hours of craftsmanship have been invested into the spectacle by a total of 120 artists.
Jungle Book is, of course, a story about friendship, courage and adventure and these are some of the qualities this show aims to replicate.
This is the 5th edition of the light show at the zoo and it comes from the makers of China Light Zoo.
China has been the theme in other festivals but, just as in the past, the 2020 show is sure to enchant those lucky enough to experience it.
The Jungle Book Light Festival runs until January 12, 2020 (excluding December 24 and 31). You start your visit between 6 pm and 8 pm and during one of 3 time slots (from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm; 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm and 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm).
The time slot determines when you start your visit but beware that the festival closes its doors at 9:30 pm.
Prices range from €14 for kids aged 3-17 to €17 for adults.
Accessing it by train could not be easier as the zoo is located next to Antwerp Central. It is possible to combine an NMBS B-Day trip formula with an admission ticket. If you visit by car, there is a special Jungle Book Light rate at Parking Station Zoo (Van Schoonhovenstraat 25, 200 meters from the zoo). You pay only €3 between 5 pm and 11 pm. Hand in your parking ticket to the porter to validate and pay at the parking machine in Parking Station zoo.
