Builder covers home with 235,000 Christmas lights

Richard Iles' house completely covered in white string lights. A sign attached to a gate says Merry Christmas and a thank you message to veterans. Union Jack flags are also hung from his home.Image source, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
Image caption,

The glittering display was created to raise money for disabled veterans

  • Published

A builder has completed work on a Christmas display at his home – made up of 235,000 lights.

Richard Iles, 37, created the display at his house in Winterbourne Down, near Bristol, with his "incredible father-in-law" – who he said worked "tirelessly" with him in the cold and rain to get the job done.

It includes giant reindeer on his roof, huge glittering snowflakes and a Santa figure.

The display is raising money for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, which supports disabled former servicemen and women by providing trips and specialist equipment. Mr Iles said supporting the charity "means a great deal" to him.

The official switch-on is taking place on Saturday and the lights will stay on until 5 January.

The light display outside Richard Iles' home, with reindeer high up on his roof, five large snowflakes atop tall poles and a Union Jack flag, with sheets of lights covering every part of his house. Image source, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
Image caption,

Mr Iles' display features reindeer, snowflakes and huge sheets of lights

Mr Iles, who has created displays in previous years too, said he had been given funding from a number of local businesses to complete the installation.

"A display of this scale simply wouldn't be possible without the incredible support around us," he said.

"Our sponsors are unbelievably generous year after year, and I can't thank them enough for helping us make this vision a reality."

The front door and porch of a home, with lights draped all over. The rest of the building can be seen behind, also covered in white string lights. There is a large Christmas tree to the right of the front door.Image source, Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
Image caption,

Mr Iles praised his father-in-law for helping him to build the mammoth display

Paul Cook, vice chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: "As a small, niche charity that is wholly reliant on donations, we are incredibly grateful to Rich for choosing to support the Taxi Charity again in 2025.

"The effort that goes into creating this spectacular display is truly Herculean."

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