Silver Birch Close, Wyke, Christmas lights for charity

For the past few years, residents of Silver Birch Close in Wyke have decorated their homes and gardens with Christmas lights, and created garden displays, to raise money for a number of charities.

Residents dressed as Christmas characters walk around to pose for selfies with the lights.

Houses on the street really go all out (Image: Newsquest) Some carry collection buckets and, this year, people can also donate via a JustGiving page. So far, a total of £2,270 has been raised.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/lisa-mcleary-1731859919185

Steven Mallinson said: “Last year, the display raised money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and this year it’s the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“We’ve had a good turnout this year and raised almost £2,500 so far. It’s gone really well.

“It’s all going to a good cause. It’s a good way to spread Christmas cheer to everyone.

“We did an official lights switch-on earlier this month, and we’re going to be raising money up until Christmas Eve.

“There are loads of lights to see. The majority of houses on our street take part.”

In addition to walking around to see the lights, people can meet up with a number of different Christmas characters, including Father Christmas, the Grinch, a snowman, an elf, and even a tree.

The Grinch even makes an appearance (Image: Newsquest) Steven said: “People like to drive around and get pics with the characters and the lights. They love it.

“I’ve dressed up as a snowman, but next year I’m going to dress up as a gingerbread man.”

Steven said that this year Anthony Barraclough and Lisa Mcleary have organised the lights display.

“The residents on the street make this happen,” Steven added. “It’s a big community thing. It’s nice to see.

Although the lights do not get switched on until December, Steven said it takes four weeks of preparation to get ready.

Residents are raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation (Image: Newsquest) Steven said: “It’s my family’s first year of taking part, but we’re going to continue every year.

“I think it’s going to be bigger and better every year.

“Next year we’re going to take on more characters.”

In a message on the JustGiving page, Lisa Mcleary wrote: “It’s that time of year again where the residents of Silver Birch Close spread some Christmas cheer to locals by illuminating their homes with hundreds of Christmas lights and displays over the festive period.

“We look forward to seeing you all soon and hope we can beat last year's fundraising amount of over £1,000.

“Let's make Christmas 2024 one to remember!”