Newton: Return of Christmas light switch on at Crow Lane cottages

Starting as a "porch competition" between neighbours several years ago, the festive lights on Crow Lane East have developed into an annual tradition that marks the start of the festivities for many across the borough.

With neighbours illuminating their cottages and houses from top to bottom, the annual switch-on seems to get bigger and better every year, and this year was no exception.

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The festive lights has become an annual tradition along Crow Lane East (Image: Crow Lane Cottages) The light switch on events has become bigger and better with each passing year (Image: Crow Lane Cottages) With the festive event taking place on Friday, November 30, the switch on attracted large crowds all along Crow Lane East, who were dazzled by the attraction.

The Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Jeanette Banks, also came out to visit the festive cottages and show her support, while other attractions were on show such as a performance from a local choir and a visit from Tundra the snowy owl.

Each year, the festive row of neighbours ask for donations in person and online to raise money for Willowbrook Hospice, to help them continue their vital palliative care work in the borough.

Incredibly, this has seen the cottages raise around £15,000 for the Hospice since their fundraising began around six years ago.

Mayor of St Helens, Cllr Jeanette Banks, showed her support for the event (Image: Ben Tarvie) The festive event raises money for Willowbrook Hospice (Image: Ben Tarvie) With the cottages helping to spread some festive cheers once again this year, many residents took to social media to commend the neighbour's hard work in organising the event.

One resident said "I've never seen so many families out side the cottages on crow lane. It was absolutely gorgeous".

One of the Crow Lane cottage residents said: "What a fantastic turn on for the Crow Lane light switch on. But it’s not over yet. The lights are on every night through December from 4.30 until 10pm.

"Walk along the houses and enter a Winter Wonderland. 100% of donations go to Willowbrook Hospice - a cause very close to all the resident's hearts."

You can donate towards the Crow Lane Cottage festive fundraiser here.

The lights will be on show throughout December (Image: Ben Tarvie)