A Devon town's festive display has once again become the centre of a light-hearted national joke, as its distinctive Christmas decorations return to the high street. The unique illuminations in Tiverton's main shopping centre, which many say bear a striking resemblance to oversized underwear, are making a deliberate comeback after first appearing in 2015.
From Puddings to Pants: The Viral Mix-Up
Originally intended to represent traditional Christmas puddings, the large green and red lights instead sparked widespread amusement and ridicule when they were first unveiled eight years ago. They quickly went viral on social media, with many observers comparing them to massive knickers strung up on a washing line. Despite the unintended design interpretation, the decorations proved immensely popular, putting the Mid Devon town firmly on the map.
Tiverton's Mayor, Councillor Neal Davey, is a staunch supporter of the lights' return. "The pants are back. It's absolutely fantastic for Tiverton," he declared. "They were very popular when we had them a few years ago, and we decided that it was time for them to make a reappearance." Mayor Davey acknowledged the original intent, stating, "They were intended to be Christmas puddings, I believe but rather gave the appearance of pants."
Locals Embrace the Fame and Festive Fun
The community has wholeheartedly adopted the quirky reputation. When the lights were officially switched on last Saturday, the atmosphere was one of good-natured humour and local pride. Residents who attended the event took the ongoing teasing in their stride, enjoying the distinctive spectacle.
One local quipped, "It's just absolutely pants," while another celebrated the attention, saying, "Well, at least we are famous for something and it gets everyone's attention. Well done. I love the pants." This embrace of the viral fame underscores a community confident enough to laugh at itself.
A Costly but Celebrated Investment
The initial installation of the town's Christmas lights in 2015 came with a significant price tag of approximately £15,000. This sum was raised through year-round fundraising efforts by the Tiverton Town Council's dedicated Christmas lights committee. The investment, while substantial, has yielded an unexpected return in the form of priceless national publicity.
As Mayor Davey reflected, "At the time there was an awful lot of publicity about it. It really put Tiverton on the map and it was great publicity for the town so I'm happy they are back." The debate over the lights' true form continues online, with past social media comments resurfacing. Janet Johns had previously questioned, "Ok, if they are not pants.... what are they?" while Lisa Bateman noted they had "the Alan Partridge effect."
Ultimately, Tiverton has turned an accidental viral moment into a beloved local tradition. The return of the so-called 'giant knickers' proves that sometimes, the best festive spirit comes from sharing a laugh and celebrating what makes a community uniquely memorable.
