Now in its ninth year, the display’s annual switch-on event attracts quite a crowd and this year’s is set to be even bigger and better. People can expect more lights, mulled wine, mince pies with another suitably festive surprise to hopefully be revealed nearer the time. Weather permitting, the event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 29th November at 5.30pm.

Whilst Paul and Penny kindly donate their garden and the electricity, it is their daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and Chris Maudsley, who are the driving force behind the display’s construction and evolution.

Chris said: “I used to put some Christmas lights up in memory of my late father who had a love for doing it. When I moved in with my now wife, my in-laws asked what I was going to do with the lights, given my wife and I live in a secluded cul-de-sac, so they would be wasted here. They said they’d be willing to have them at their house if I helped them put them up - the rest, as they say, is history! As well as the money we raise, the reactions we get from the local community compel us to not only continue, but make it bigger and better each year!”

The family raises funds for Children’s Hospice South West every year through donations from the public, plus matched funding by Chris and Hannah’s employer, HSBC UK. Since the first display, over £14,000 has been raised and donated to the charity.

‍Like Gluyas Xmas Lights on Facebook for updates, information and a link to their fundraising page.

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