Crow Lane neighbours bring back dazzling Christmas lights in Newton

Initially starting as a festive "porch competition" a few years ago, where passers-by voted on their favourite decoration, the festive lights on Crow Lane East have grown to such an extent that they attract residents and families from across the borough.

With neighbours illuminating their cottages and houses from top to bottom in honour of Willowbrook Hospice, the road's annual light switch-on took place on Saturday, December 5.

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The festive tradition has grown bigger and better over the years (Image: Crow Lane Cottages)
Speaking about this year's light switch-on, Andrew Marsh, one of the festive homeowners on Crow Lane East said: "We had loads of people right down the street for this year's event, as well as people from Willowbrook too.

"We also had people choir singing and mulled wine stands so it was a great night."

The neighbours have been fundraising for Willowbrook Hospice with their festive lights (Image: Crow Lane Cottages)
The reason why the group raise money for Willowbrook Hospice is because as more attention was being drawn to the street, the neighbours thought they should expand their idea and turn this interest into something positive.

Choosing Willowbrook as a charity that all the neighbours have a connection with, the group has collectively raised more than £10,000 for the hospice since 2018, through online and in-person donations.

The festive decorations bring people in from across the borough (Image: Crow Lane Cottages)
In addition to the fundraising and festive feeling of the cottages, Andrew also said that it brings the already tight community in Newton even closer together.

He added: "We have kids and families coming most nights to the lights, and one of our neighbours sits out every night to have a chat with them and take them into the gardens.

"Considering it's a busy world, it's great to see so many people coming out to it and that more and more houses have gotten involved too.

"We do have really lovely neighbours here and it does bring everyone together."

The festivities also bring the community together in Newton (Image: Crow Lane Cottages)
With the festive tradition getting bigger and better every year, you can donate to the Crow Lane Willowbrook fundraiser here.