Bristol builder switches on 235,000 Christmas lights at his home

A builder has completed work on a Christmas display at his home – made up of 235,000 lights.

Richard Iles, 37, created the display at his house in Winterbourne Down, near Bristol, with his “incredible father-in-law” – who he said worked “tirelessly” with him in the cold and rain to get the job done.

It includes giant reindeer on his roof, huge glittering snowflakes and a Santa figure.

The display is raising money for the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, which supports disabled former servicemen and women by providing trips and specialist equipment. Mr Iles said supporting the charity “means a great deal” to him.

The official switch-on is taking place on Saturday and the lights will stay on until 5 January.

Mr Iles, who has created displays in previous years too, said he had been given funding from a number of local businesses to complete the installation.

“A display of this scale simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support around us,” he said.

“Our sponsors are unbelievably generous year after year, and I can’t thank them enough for helping us make this vision a reality.”

Paul Cook, vice chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, said: “As a small, niche charity that is wholly reliant on donations, we are incredibly grateful to Rich for choosing to support the Taxi Charity again in 2025.

“The effort that goes into creating this spectacular display is truly Herculean.”