Award-winning Christmas lights return at Isle of Wight cul-de-sac

Due to overwhelming support, Matthew Whitham has confirmed Goldcrest will be raising money again this year, with all donations being split equally between the two charities.

Matthews vows that this year’s lights will return ‘bigger and better’ than before.
In 2021, the display won a national competition, named Best Large Display, taking the £1,000 top prize in the Illumination Street competition category.

Matthew said: “I’ve been doing Christmas lights for several years and the last three years on a large scale.

Preview of this years display at Goldcrest Close (Image: Matthew Whitham)

"I enjoy the creative side of it and enjoy people coming to see them.

“Last year was our first year of raising money for two Island charities, we raised over £3,000, and it was extremely successful, so we’ve decided to do it again.”

The charities for this year are the IOW Samaritans and The Wessex Cancer Trust.

Matthew continued: “I feel these charities are well deserved and do an amazing job.”

The award-winning lights in 2021 at Goldcrest Close (Image: Pamela Parker)

This year’s lights, however, come with potential major issues as electricity prices continue to rise.

Matthew said: “Due to the rising cost of electricity, and the lights themselves, I’ve had to budget harder and save extra money.

“I am lucky that all my lights are low-energy LED, which makes all the difference as there are thousands of bulbs!

(See video from 2021 below)

“That said it’s very much business as usual here. If there is any time people need a little bit of extra Christmas sparkle, it is now.

“We look forward to seeing all our visitors old and new.”

The lights at Goldcrest will be shining bright every night from December 1–31, from 4.30pm to 8.30pm.

For regular photos and updates, see the Goldcrest Close Christmas Lights IOW Facebook page.