The light show must go on!
Fundraising Christmas display becomes drive-thru
A CHARITY Christmas lights display will return this year despite pandemic restrictions – after the organiser made it a drive-thru.
Graham Witter, inset above , has been transforming his Weston home into a brightly lit winter wonderland since 2013.
The annual event was launched two years before his sister Jessica passed away, aged 18, and has since raised £124,850 in her memory for the Donna Louise Hospice at Trentham Lakes which gave her respite care.
Jessica, who had cutaneous syndrome and severe epilepsy, was fascinated by colour, light and sound.
Last year the display was seen by more than
20,000 visitors.
Graham was determined the fundraising would continue despite the pandemic.
Now he has revealed this year’s theme will be ‘Starlit Garden’ – and it will be a safe drive-thru event.
Graham said: “It’s been a pretty tough year for everyone, so we wanted to be able to still bring happiness, love, and cheer to our community this Christmas.
“But with social distance measures in place, we’ve had to think really carefully about the best way to keep our visitors safe. By holding a drive-thru event, it means that people can still enjoy the lights and decorations, but from the safety of their own car.
“There will still be all the things that people love about the Weston Christmas Light Display, including our animated display, with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations.
“Santa will still be here, but this year he’ll be doing a special ‘Santa Wave’ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.
“I’m also very excited to announce that we’re also launching a brand new #Nameastar initiative, where the local community can remember a loved one or celebrate a local hero this Christmas.
“Our 20ft starlit Christmas tree will be surrounded by 150 hand-made, metal stars, each containing the name of someone special.”
Simon Fuller, chief executive of The Donna Louise Hospice, said: “Graham’s support for the hospice is truly outstanding. This has been a really tough year for everyone and it would have been understandable for Graham to cancel the event.
“But his commitment to putting on a magical event which everyone can enjoy, in a safe way, while raising money for a cause so close to his heart, is inspiring.”
The Weston Light Display will open from December 1 until December 28 from 6.15pm to 9pm at Carters Green Farm in Jack Lane, Weston.
For more the event has a Facebook page.