Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Matt Jarram

Family light up their Nuthall home with 180,000 illuminations for charity

More than 20,000 people have stepped into the Swift family's Winter Wonderland over the last 42 days, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Tony Swift, 60, his wife Wendy, 53, and their son Adam, 26, have been lighting up their home for the last 16 years, with the money raised donated to two local organisations.

Last year, the family wrapped their home in Laurel Crescent in Nuthall in more than 67,000 lights, but this year they ramped it up to 180,000 lights, adding an extra £12 a night to their electricity bill.

"I am not bothered about the price," said Mr Swift. "Anyone over the age of 13, when they come into my garden they are a child, even the adults."

Visitors can walk around the outside of their home, into their garden, as well as queue for the Santa's grotto.

The first event in 2000 attracted a smaller crowd of around 22 people, but this year 20,000 people turned up to witness the glowing spectacle.

Nuthall home lit up for Christmas (Tony Swift)

The family split the money between two charities: When You Wish Upon a Star, which provides 'wishes' for children aged four to 17 living with life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

The rest goes to Hayward House based at Nottingham City Hospital after Wendy's father, John Sheeran, was diagnosed with terminal cancer 15 years ago and received treatment and care at the palliative care centre.

Gogglebox stars Sid Siddiqui and his sons Bassit and Umar became involved in the event in 2017 and have helped switch on the lights every year since then.

Mr Swift said the event also would not be possible without the help of neighbours and friends - Mark, Jane, Dave, Debs and Tony.

The official launch was on November 17 and the lights will remain on until January 1. So far, they have raised £24,048 compared to last year's £25,025. But they still have a few days to go.

Mr Swift said: "This year has been bad for weather but we have still had people coming out and queuing for two and a half hours.

Laurel Crescent house will be lit up until January 1 (Tony Swift)

"We do not need motivating. These are great charities that do not get funding and it is down to the general public to help them.

"This year we had a reindeer stable, a 1.4 metre crystal reindeer and 15 new sets of lights. I have already spent £400 for next year.

"I go on the internet and when I see items come down to half price that's the time to buy them. We have got a 4ft Santa for next year.

"We have probably spent about £3,000 on lights (over the last 16 years). They are all bargain buys. We have had 20,000 or more through the doors this year."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.