NUMEROUS businesses have rallied together to sponsor a family's Christmas lights display – which many residents say signals the start of festivities in Winsford.

Every year David Robinson, who lives in Station Road, decorates his home with a huge array of Christmas lights and decorations – something which has been enjoyed by countless families in the area over the years and raised thousands of pounds for charity.

With the rise in the cost of living it was ‘touch and go’ whether the lights would go ahead this year, but David’s daughter, Stephanie Banks, had the idea to approach local businesses for sponsorship via social media.

David and his family have been overwhelmed with support as businesses pledged to help with electricity costs and new lights to allow the tradition to continue.

The lights are in aid of St Luke’s Hospice and donations can be made at gofundme.com/f/station-road-christmas-lights.

The sponsors are:

  • CW Estate Agents
  • Winsford Town Football Club
  • All Your Appliances
  • Europlas
  • Lomas log burners
  • JJE electrical
  • Martin James Decorating Services
  • A2Z flatpack services
  • ChipX
  • Indigo Promotions (sponsor of the banner)
  • Carl Duckett & Co. Roofing
  • Rise and Sparkle Sleepovers and Occasions
  • DF Plumbing and Heating

Simon Lomax from Europlas explained: “We really appreciate the tradition they have created over the years - it is invaluable to the community, local schools and charities.

“We personally take our children to see the lights each year and is always a joy when we drive past it.

“We will continue to support this tradition.”

CW Estate Agents also view the annual lights as a festive tradition for the whole family.

They said: “When we heard that with the current economic climate the lights may not happen, as a local business and family we couldn’t wait to join forces with like-minded local businesses to ensure that Dave and his family can continue the great work they do for St Luke’s and give the people of Winsford some well needed and deserved Xmas Cheer.”

Danny Fitzpatrick from DF Plumbing and Heating added: “I wanted to give something back to the local community and ever since being a kid I’ve loved David’s Christmas lights and looked forward to seeing them each year.

“The fact that all of the money raised gets donated to St Luke’s hospice is the icing on the cake for me.”

Rachel Hughes, from St Luke’s Hospice, said: “Mr and Mrs Robinson and family have supported St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice for many, many years.

“Times have been especially difficult with the cost of living rising and this year lots of local businesses have so very kindly sponsored their lights to enable the long-loved event to go ahead.

“Mr Robinson goes through so much effort and preparation into setting up the home ready for our local community to enjoy every Christmas.

“Families come from far and wide to see these stunning festivities.

“It really is the start of the yuletide once their Christmas light switch on arrives in our town.

“A massive thank you to everyone this year to everyone involved.”

The switch-on will happen on Friday, December 2, at 6pm.

They will be shining between 5pm and 8.30pm Sunday to Thursday, and 4.30pm to 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The last night of the lights will be Boxing Day night.