MORE than 100 people were dazzled by the return of a legendary Christmas illumination this weekend – despite the gloomy weather.
On Sunday November 28, dozens of families gathered on Byron Road, New Milton, to see a row of festively lit houses.
The pouring rain didn’t stop people from coming out to see the enchanting display which was once again raising money for the NHS.
Crowds counted down from 10 just before 5pm on Sunday before several houses lit up the dark sky with cheers echoing along the road.
The centerpiece decoration was an illuminated NHS sign with a rainbow overhead.
Founder and organizer Ged Hollyoake said: “There are a few changes to the display this year, I can’t tell you what because there are so many.
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“NHS is the organization we are fundraising for again this year, like the last three years.
“We’ve raised over £83,000 over 15 years for charities, but we won’t know how much we’ve raised this year until January.
“Rising energy cost won’t affect my screen, I’ll just pay for it and not watch the bill because I want to carry on and let people enjoy it.
“I started my preparations at the end of September, it takes a long time.
“My house is the one at the end with the big NHS light, which I made myself.
“We’ve scaled it down a bit over the years because we used to have thousands of people here and it was so much work, but nonetheless it will continue and will continue to raise money and help people. to get into the festive spirit.”
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The event, which has hosted many famous faces over the years, took place every year from 2004 until Covid restrictions forced the cancellation in 2020.
The road has also featured on the One Show and Good Morning Britain.
Paul Morris of New Milton said: “It’s my first time here for the countdown and the big change, but I’ve been down for a few years now and it never disappoints.
“It’s really nice to see they’re still doing it, my wife works for the NHS so I love that they’re fundraising for it again.”
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