Hedge transformed into amazing Polar Express display
IT TOOK A YEAR TO BE BUILT
FROM a garden hedge to a fantastically festive light decoration in the form of a Lapland-bound locomotive, this stunning Christmas display has finally had the big switch on.
Michael Ingleson and his dad Bob have spent the past year transforming topiary into a train in their Holderness village.
The idea was originally birthed eight years ago when Michael doodled a sketch on a Post-it note imagining what his front garden hedge at his Ottringham home would look like as a steam train.
“I always thought the hedge looked like a steam train so drew it one day,” Michael told the Mail.
And the idea was almost forgotten about, until lockdown hit last year and the duo were looking for ways to keep themselves busy.
Both are graphic designers, with Michael working for SGS agency in Hull, while Bob, 75, is now retired.
Michael, 38, said: “Dad and I needed something to do, so we made a frame for the hedge in the shape of a train and lit it up.
The train is made from wood, screws and lots of superglue.”
Fast forward 12 months, and neighbours were able to gather round on Sunday night as Michael made the big switch on, seeing his doodle light up in real life.
“The neighbours seem to love it thankfully,” Michael added.
“We will put it up each year while it all still works.”
One of Hull’s best-loved festive displays is also set for the big switch-on this week, featuring 100,000 bulbs.
Mike Manders’ Christmas lights on Acland Street in West Hull will raise funds for Action for Children, beating the 30,000 lights he had installed last year.
Meanwhile, hundreds gathered outside the City Hall in Hull earlier this month to watch the city lit up for another season.
People were given free mince pies and treated to a short fireworks display to celebrate the 2021 Christmas lights switch on.