With new research revealing the explosion in popularity of staging spectacular outdoor Christmas lights displays – and the cost of doing so – price comparison website money expert is searching for the UK’s answer to Clark Griswold, the iconic Christmas lights enthusiast from the classic movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
The competition is being run by price comparison website money expert, in response to new research that reveals that householders’ outdoor light shows are now an essential festive must-do and must-see. A fifth of Brits now decorate their gardens and driveways with big bold Christmas lights, and a quarter say they tour their neighbourhood to take in these displays. In contrast, in Wales, less than one in 10 visit Santa’s Grotto or see a pantomime.
But while these spectacular lights displays have an incredible impact on the local community, they also hit wallets hard too. The research shows that this year, Brits expect to spend £222m on lighting their homes this Christmas, and that’s a staggering £11 million in Wales alone. Those planning on putting on a display outside their home expect to see their energy bills spike by a third (33%) during December.
To inspire nominations, money expert has teamed up with Keith Woodward from Yateley, Surrey, who’s been putting on an awe-inspiring lights show outside his home for 21 years, raising £30,000 for charity in the process, as well as drawing in the crowds. You can see Keith’s story, and nominate your own home, or a neighbour’s, to win a £500 prize, by visiting https://moneyexpert.com/christmaslights
Keith’s video can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/376184254/
Commenting on the competition, Jason Smith, CEO of moneyexpert.com, said: “There’s a whole Santa sack-load of households across the country that put on these impressive outdoor displays and help bring the spirit of Christmas to their local communities. But it’s a hugely expensive act of generosity that adds to an already costly time of the year. We look forward to helping one lucky winner of our Christmas Lights competition with a cash prize towards their electricity costs, but for the general public switching energy providers and finding a better deal is the best way to take the sting out of December’s bills.”
