Family plans 'one last year' of Christmas lights

A house and garden completely covered in Christmas lights of all colours Image source, Nuthall Christmas Lights
Image caption,

There are more than 440,000 bulbs on the Swift household

  • Published

For more than 20 years, thousands have queued up to see the dazzling Christmas decorations on Tony and Wendy Swift's Nottinghamshire home.

The couple's display has become a festive feature, which brings the festive spirit to Laurel Crescent in Nuthall.

Alongside friends and family, the pair spend eight weeks a year carefully preparing the decorations, and they have raised more than £250,000 for good causes through their efforts over the years in donations.

However, they have decided 2025 will be the last time they put on the spectacular show.

A snowy scene of a house covered in illuminationsImage source, Nuthall Christmas Lights
Image caption,

The family have split the money they raised between the Hayward House Hospice and When You Wish Upon a Star charity

Mr Swift, 65, said: "We want to go out on a high next year.

"We have one more year in us and then we'll flick the switch off for good.

"We've absolutely loved doing it but it's hard work, and we're not getting any younger."

Mr Swift said about 30,000 people had visited the house this year.

"We've had a great year with donations, which has taken us over the £250,000 for our total raised," he added.

A man in a jacket next to a Santa model
Image caption,

Tony Swift said he was looking forward to spending time enjoying other people's displays

The family have split the money they raised between the Hayward House Hospice and When You Wish Upon a Star charity.

"Getting to that landmark has been one of the reasons the family has decided to make next year our last year," Mr Swift said.

"I'm glad so many people have enjoyed our decorations - and they have been really kind - but hopefully, after one more year, it will be our turn to enjoy other people's lights."

An aerial view of an illuminated house and garden with hundreds of people looking onImage source, Nuthall Christmas Lights
Image caption,

Crowds gathered when the lights were switched on in November

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