December 7, 200916 yr Britain's most festive cul-de-sac: Families splash out £3,000 each on 90,000 Christmas lights By Daily Mail Reporter Last updated at 4:35 PM on 06th December 2009 Comments (12) Add to My Stories The most festive cul-de-sac in Britain has burst into colour after the homeowners switched on their illuminations - with a total of 90,000 Christmas lights. All six families on Trinity Close in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, have forked out an estimated £3,000 each for 15,000 fairy lights covering their homes and gardens. Thousands of visitors flock from miles around to view the spectacular display, helping the residents raise thousands of pounds for charity every year. Light work for the neighbourhood: The residents gather to wish a Merry Christmas to passer-bys The tradition was started ten years ago by Nick Gardner, 41, and wife Hazel, 40, with neighbours Chris Woodberry, 62, and his late wife Christine. More... DITTO: When you can't compete with your neighbour's Christmas lights, just do the next best thing... It's Mega (last-minute) Monday as shoppers head online to spend £4,000 a SECOND on Christmas Mrs Gardner, who has an eight-year-old son, said: 'It's really great getting everyone together to put up the decorations. We all spend so much time sorting it out. 'It takes my husband five days to get them all up and he is always helping others but it is worth it when you see how much fun and happiness it brings. 'We have been doing this for 10 years now and while we haven't added anything new but our neighbours have and it looks amazing. 'It costs us about £90 in electricity to keep the lights on but we think it is definitely worth it.' Since the Christmas decoration tradition started the other households have joined in the festive fun and have added more and more lights - mostly in white and blue - to their collection. Colourful Christmas: Trinity Close in Burnham on Sea, Somerset, is ablaze with colour as residents welcome the festive season Paula Payne, who lives next door to Mr and Mrs Gardner, has been taking part in the decorations since she moved to the area with her husband Graham, 69, four years ago. The 65-year-old said: 'This year is our best ever display with several new quality illuminations on show. 'We hope to see lots of people over the festive period and raise a good sum for charity. 'It's a real community activity and a great way to know your neighbours.' Visitors are asked to make a donation in a number of collection boxes. Last year the display raised £6,000. Donations go to Petals, a charitable trust set up in memory of Christine Woodbury, to benefit local cancer hospices and BARB, a registered charity that operates two life-saving rescue hovercrafts and an inshore rescue boat in the Bridgwater Bay area. The lights are lit between the hours of 4pm and 10pm each day from 1 December to 6 January. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1233664/Santas-cul-sac-Families-splash-3-000-90-000-lights-make-Christmas-spectacular.html#ixzz0YxgbHgDs
December 7, 200916 yr I think i would leave home if my family had lights like that. :P It must be annoying for anyone trying to go to sleep when they're still on.
December 8, 200916 yr Am I the only person who thinks decorating your house in Christmas lights is extremely tacky?
December 8, 200916 yr Author Am I the only person who thinks decorating your house in Christmas lights is extremely tacky? No.;)
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