Fundraiser’s Christmas lights display will be one to remember

FROME fundraiser, Tony Hodges, is decorating his house again for Christmas and is this year promising a festive light display that will ‘steal’ your breath away! 

Last year, Tony wowed the crowds with his gingerbread house-themed display, raising over £1,000 for charity. And whilst this year’s theme is being kept under wraps until the big reveal on Saturday 4th December, Tony has hinted that his display will have others ‘green’ with envy. 

“This year’s display is going to take some doing,” said Tony speaking to Frome Times, “but every year I try to make my display bigger and better than the one before. This year there will be a lot more lights, much bigger decorations – some car size, and some interactive elements that the kids can have some fun with – it’s going to be one to remember!” 

Tony will again be raising money for charity – this year money raised will go to Cancer Research UK and Frome-based animal rescue charity, Cornpop Critter Rescue. 

“I’ve chosen Cancer Research UK again as they have helped me through some of the toughest times of my life,” explained Tony, who was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer 15 years ago. 

“Any money I raise for charity is an added bonus – I put these displays on to spread a little bit of cheer around Christmas, as it’s not always a great season for everyone, and it’s a nice thing to do. It makes all the hard work preparing the display and the electricity bill worth it! 

“I raised over £1,000 for charity last year, so I am aiming to beat that – the goal is always to beat the year before!” 

To celebrate the unveiling of his Christmas lights display, Tony is hosting a switch-on event on Saturday 4th December, from 7pm, with the big reveal at 7.15pm at his home – 26 The Butts, Frome, BA11 4AA. There will be live music, food on sale, a raffle, and some very special guest appearances that will get children, young and old, excited. 

“Liam from Liam’s Cakes will be selling sweet treats on the night,” said Tony. “A friend from MCM Superhero Parties is dressing up as Olaf from Frozen for the children. And the wonderful Santa and Mrs Claus from Santa’s grotto Frome, will be there too. 

“The raffle will be held shortly after the lights get turned on. Like last year, they will be turned on by a very special family who recently suffered a loss. I want them to feel special and know how much they mean to the community.” 

For updates on the event, visit the Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/952935428742634