Tuckswood resident Mark Abbott has created a stunning Christmas display outside his house comprising over 11,000 lights, a sleigh complete with santa, reindeer and penguins. Onlookers can make it ‘snow’ by donating to a local charity.
Mark has spent 90 hours over three weeks to construct the display and attach 8,000 lights to the house using 3,200 ft of wire. An additional 3,000 multi-coloured lights feature in the front garden and a row of fluorescent candy canes line the driveway.
Mark, who has three children aged 13, 8 and 5, said, “I just like lights. It’s something about the magic of Christmas and it’s great to get into the spirit of things.” Decorating the house is not new for Mark he said, “It’s been building up for seven years.” Mark and his family moved into the area in August and Mark admits that when he and his wife first viewed the house he was thinking about where the Christmas lights were going to go.
The house has already attracted a lot of local attention – its Allanadale Road location is opposite Tuckswood Academy. Mark said, “The kids go crazy for it – as the children come out of school they’ve been checking the house and notice when I add something new. When you hear those people and hear their responses it just spurs me on!”
Mark said, “Due to the amount of festive lights, local residents mentioned that people would donate, my first thought was for those without a home. Now more than ever, the homeless need our support. Just a £1 donation could make to the difference to someone’s life.”
Mark has fitted a remote control snow machine, which he can turn on in return for a donation to local homelessness charity St Martins. Donations can made by scanning a QR code or putting cash in a donations box.
Mark, who runs Abbotts Dance Academy in the city, has handcrafted a sleigh, attached to reindeer and has places several festive trees in the front garden – however, he is already thinking about even more lights for next year and is making plans to light up the roof!
Jan Sheldon, CEO of St Martins said, “The house truly looks incredible. We are delighted that Mark has chosen St Martins to benefit from donations and we thank everybody who has contributed.”
Visit The Christmas White House at Allanadale Road in Tuckswood, Norwich
All donations go to St Martins. Donate via this link: justgiving.com/campaign/Christmashouse