By Isle of Wight Observer
The 10th anniversary of the Goldcrest Close Christmas Lights celebration in Newport took place last Thursday (November 30).
The spectacular display is owned by Matt Whitham, who starts putting the thousands of lights up at the end of August. He said: “It’s a long job, but it’s always worth it in the end. It started when I was at my parents’, with a much smaller display, but it has just taken off from there. It’s a lovely sight to see people’s faces when they walk past the house.
“I’m out each night between 4.30pm-8.30 collecting for the IW Samaritans with this year’s second charity, the RSPCA.
“The Samaritans are so supportive of us, and do a great job with helping people with mental health issues on the Island and, generally, I raise around £2,500 for my chosen charities.
“I couldn’t tell you how many lights are in the display, but there are around 10,000 on the palm tree alone!”
