Christmas comes VERY early for two little elves! Couple transform their home into winter wonderland featuring 30,000 twinkling fairy lights …in November
- Every year Michael and Lyn Farnes turn their home in Hove, East Sussex into a magical winter wonderland
- A neighbour had complained about some small icicle lights 17 years ago so they then put up even more
- The trend escalated and they now raise thousands of pounds every year for charity with their house displays
- They now have two granddaughters, Erica and Poppy, who can join in the decorative Christmas fun this year
It may only be November but it’s already Christmas at this family house.
With more than 30,000 twinkling Christmas lights, assorted Santas, snowmen and reindeer, this is one of the most dazzling – and earliest – DIY displays in Britain.
Each year couple Michael and Lyn Farnes transform their home into a winter wonderland to raise money for charity.
Michael Farnes with grand daughters Erica Johnson, left, and Poppy Farnes, right, outside his house laden with hundreds of Christmas lights. It may only be November but it’s already Christmas at this family house
But this year the couple have something extra to celebrate – the arrival of two Christmas puddings.
Baby granddaughters Erica and Poppy are set to join the fun with their ‘Christmas mad’ family.
The display at their home in Hove, East Sussex is already attracting awestruck children who stop and stare in amazement.
Visitors travel from miles around to view the house and make a small donation to their charities.
The display takes three days to set up with around 200 metres of electric cable feeding an estimated 30,000 twinkling fairy lights and a multitude of attractions.
Each year couple Michael and Lyn Farnes transform their home into a winter wonderland to raise money for charity. With more than 30,000 twinkling Christmas lights, assorted Santas, snowmen and reindeer, this is one of the most dazzling – and earliest – DIY displays in Britain
Among them are around 25 snowmen, 40 Santas, elves, reindeers, sleighs, penguins, robins, polar bears.
There is even a full nativity scene, a huge outsized Father Christmas sculpture and an icy pond.
The couple started with just one set of twinkling lights 17 years ago and the display in Amberley Drive has just grown and grown.
Now Michael and Lyn have to meticulously plan their pageant of festive lights in an attempt to outstrip their previous year’s show.
Michael and Lyn Farnes have spent £10,000 on Christmas decorations and electricity bills in the last 17 years. This year they are raising money for the PDSA and local charities, Roger’s Wildlife Rescue and Kitty in the City
Mr Farnes, 56, of Hove, said: ‘Every year I buy a few extra things to keep the crowds coming but I’ve only got so much space, ‘It is a lot of work and it costs quite a bit but my wife and I love doing it.
It is a delight to see the faces of the children when they see it all lit up.’ Mr Farnes said: ‘This year is extra special with the arrival of our two granddaughters. They are my little elves.’
For Mr Farnes, who works at a supermarket, said that when he first started he had to check all the bulbs but now he used LED lights.
‘Improvements in technology mean the display uses far less electricity than it used to. It keeps the bills down.’
Roni-Jo, who is the youngest of the couple’s children, is known at her school as the girl who lives in the Christmas house. They have been doing the display for 10 years, including this one last year, and over that time they have raised thousands for a variety of animals charities
Mrs Farnes said: ‘Last year we had hundreds and hundreds of visitors. We even had an office Christmas party come down and visit us. It was incredible.’
Every year the couple nominate three charities to benefit from the donations they receive from parents who visit with their children.
They have been doing the display for 10 years and over that time they have raised thousands for a variety of animals charities.
This year they are raising money for the PDSA and local charities, Roger’s Wildlife Rescue and Kitty in the City.
Mr Farnes said: ‘Last year we raised £1,000 and we hope to do the same again this year.’
Lyn Farnes with her nine-year-old daughter Roni-Jo outside their home in Hove, East Sussex, showcasing last year’s display. Every year the couple nominate three charities to benefit from the donations they receive from parents who visit with their children
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