Epic Christmas lights in Leicester raise thousands for hospice

That Christmas

Scott Seare mentions that as people drive by, they often beep their horns and shout "Merry Christmas."

That Christmas - Figure 1
Photo BBC News

Scott Seare crossed his fingers, wishing that he wouldn't accidentally trigger a blackout when he turned on his Christmas lights.

The man from Leicester couldn't shake the image from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, where a house was so overloaded with lights that it caused a power failure for the entire city.

Luckily for Mr. Seare, the launch of his intricate display, intended to support the LOROS hospice, took place without any problems.

The Christmas event from last year brought in £1,000 for the charity, and in 2024, he aims to achieve an even higher amount.

This year, we've introduced exciting new features like colorful fencing, Santa in a military tank, a whimsical "candy castle," and plenty more!

"This year, we had folks along the street cheering 'Merry Christmas' and honking their horns," he mentioned.

Onlookers remarked that it truly looks stunning.

For the past few years, Mr. Seare has been raising money for the hospice through his showcase.

The lights were turned on December 1st, but Mr. Seare mentioned that the planning had started before Halloween, all the way back in late September.

Mr. Seare mentioned that no one is obligated to contribute; they are welcome to simply enjoy the lights.

Mr. Seare mentioned that he switched to using energy-efficient lightbulbs this year because his bills have gone up.

He mentioned, "It costs around £6 or £7 for about five hours. While it may not seem like a huge amount, it adds up since it's a daily expense that keeps piling up."

The display features various holiday lights adorning his home, along with a blow-up Santa and a giant inflatable Christmas tree.

Debbie Thrussel, who coordinates fundraising for LOROS, expressed that the organization is "extremely thankful" as the hospice is facing financial challenges.

"The home appears lovely and fills me with happiness," she said.

Events like this don’t occur suddenly; they require months of careful preparation.

Mr. Seare estimated that approximately £9,000 had been collected during the charity fundraising efforts.

Mr. Seare invites “everyone” to come see the lights, which will be available for viewing until December 24. However, he cautions visitors to avoid standing on the grass due to the presence of power cables.

"I doubt that a Santa dressed in an England jersey would appreciate a power surge right before Christmas," he remarked.

At the same time, a private session was held to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to explore.

Let us know what topics you think we should report on in Leicester.

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