It has been a year in the making. After months switching off the lights in his house to save electricity and keeping money aside in preparation, Chrimbo mad Kevin Buckley is gearing up for a huge festive light switch on... from his very own front garden.
Dad-of-one Kevin, from Chorlton, welcomed in the Christmas season last year with a light-up bonanza that attracted around 100 of his neighbours, but this year he hopes to draw in and wow even bigger crowds at the annually planned event, with Santa himself expected to make an appearance.
Known locally as 'the man with the Christmas house', Kevin, 35, will be turning on the dazzling array of lights in his front garden on Darley Avenue, Chorlton, on November 12, and is to raise money for charity through generous donations from those who pay a visit.
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Speaking to the Manchester Evening News ahead of the mammoth switch on, he said: "I have always loved Christmas and making people smile. What originally prompted me to do it was the idea of raising money for charity.
"A couple of years ago, I wanted to help raise funds for St Ann's Hospice who had looked after a neighbour of mine, and the charity helped publicise it. From there, I knew I wanted to keep doing something for the local community, and it just got bigger and bigger.
"It never used to be a big switch on, I just used to have loads of lights up outside my house and people could put some money into the pot if they stopped by. But last year, with Covid still going around, Christmas still felt quite dull for a lot of people, so I organised the switch on where people could come and watch."
In 2020, the Manchester Evening News shared videos of Kevin's house, adorned with light-up santas, a glistening archway and flashing sleigh, complete with reindeers, after it caught the attention of passers-by.
But this Christmas, Kevin has admitted to spending hundreds of pounds kitting out his garden with some brand new additions, with a surprise digital display expected to be projected onto the outside walls of his house. Visitors this year can expect to indulge in mince pies as they enjoy festive tunes and the dazzling extravaganza, and can donate money in cash or online, with a QR code.
"It's a case of making something nice and fun for the community, whilst also being able to help charities and raise money," Kevin added. "It feels good to boost everyone's spirits, especially this year with money being tight, because people may not be able to afford to go out with their families.
"Last year, around 100 people turned up outside my house for the switch on, much to my surprise. So this year, I knew I wanted to go even bigger. People know me as the man who lives in the Christmas house.
"I have spent a lot, I've bought a new archway, large santa moulds, reindeers and trees. I have always loved the Christmas season because everyone is that bit nicer to each other and it is such a happy time. So to be able to do something like this for others is amazing."
Dependent on this year's success, Kevin hopes to increase his array of lights every year and is even toying with the idea of bringing in small market stalls in 2023. Kevin's wife Carla is 'very supportive' of his festive venture, as is his nine-year-old daughter Amelia-Grace.
This year, funds raised will be split between Chorlton Cats, who helped care for Kevin's cat before it died, and the Barlow Moor Community Association. The lights will dazzle from 7pm on November 12, the evening of the big switch on, until Boxing Day. If you drive down Darley Street in Chorlton, you certainly won't miss it.
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