Crow Lane cottages to light up street with Christmas light switch on

Becoming an annual tradition to bring in the festivities and raise money for Willowbrook Hospice, homeowners on Crow Lane, Newton-le-Willows, will turn on their festive lights at 7pm on Saturday, December 3.

With a real "tight knit community" felt between the neighbours on Crow Lane, the tradition began as a porch competition a couple of years ago, where passers-by voted on their favourite decoration.

READ > Family business hand craft 'eye-catching' Christmas market entrance at Selfridges

The Christmas light switch on is attended by hundreds in the community (Image: Crow Lane Cottages)

As the competition developed into a whole street affair, the neighbours expanded the idea to raise funds for Willowbrook Hospice, as it is a charity they all have a connection with.

Since 2018, the group have collectively raised more than £12,000 for the hospice from online and in-person donations; with one of the cottage owners often sitting out with a donation bucket and speaking with passers-by.

The annual light switch on developed from a neighbourly competition (Image: Crow Lane Cottages)

With Willowbrook's funding streams severely impacted by the pandemic and the cost of living crisis, the cottage owners say the hospice needs help "more than ever" and encouraged residents to come to the switch on and donate.

With the neighbours switching on their lights all at once, the tradition attracts hundreds of people from across the community and helps them get into the festive spirit, while also raising vital funds for Willowbrook.

Houses up and down Crow Lane get involved in the festive tradition (Image: Crow Lane Cottages)

Neil Sankey, one of the Cottage Owners who lights his house up on Crow Lane, said he feels lucky to be a part of such a tight-knit community.

He said: "Hundreds of people came out to see our switch on and encourage us. It really does bring the community together and people feel it is the start of Christmas.

"Willowbrook was chosen naturally as a cause to raise money for as we all have an affinity with them over the years, and after the pandemic and cost of living crisis, it's essential that their funds are topped up."

To support their cause and raise vital funds for Willowbrook Hospice, visit their fundraising page here.

The tradition has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Willowbrook Hospice over the years (Image: Crow Lane Cottages)