A house in Bristol has become a beacon of festive cheer, dazzling the entire community with an incredible Christmas light display featuring a staggering 150,000 individual bulbs.
The annual Winterbourne Wonderland, created by Ricky and Chrissie Fenning, has once again brought the village of Winterbourne Down to a standstill with its breathtaking scale and intricate design.
A Dazzling Spectacle of Light and Magic
This year's display is more brilliant than ever, boasting an extra 50,000 lights compared to the previous year. The family's home is bathed in vibrant blue and purple illumination, with the roof proudly spelling out 'Ho Ho Ho'.
The spectacle is divided into multiple themed areas, creating a magical journey for visitors. These include a section with animatronic butterflies, an enchanting magical forest, a life-sized wishing well, and a snowy wilderness populated by polar bears and penguins.
Pushing the boundaries of technology, this year's installation features interactive buttons, voice-activation, and motion sensors that trigger various festive scenes, making the experience engaging for all ages.
Raising Funds and Community Spirit
The primary goal of this immense effort is to raise money for vital charities. The event supports The Grand Appeal, a Bristol children's hospital charity, and Suicide Prevention UK.
Over the past four years, the Winterbourne Wonderland has raised nearly £26,000 for The Grand Appeal alone. The ambitious target for this year is to push the total amount raised to an incredible £40,000.
Donations are easily made through a dedicated station, coin boxes, and QR codes placed around the display. The official switch-on occurred on Saturday, November 22, with three separate countdowns held to manage the large crowds.
Planning Your Visit to the Wonderland
The lights will shine brightly every day from 4.30pm until 9pm until January 4. Visitors can also enjoy special events, including Christmas music sessions and appearances from seasonal mascots.
Due to the event's immense popularity, which attracted over 10,000 visitors last year, those planning to attend are strongly advised to check their routes carefully. Ongoing road closures and roadworks in the vicinity, combined with the traffic generated by the display, mean that planning ahead is essential.
The Fenning family's dedication continues to make their Christmas display a cherished community event that spreads joy and supports important causes.
