Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood switched on more than 20,000 Christmas lights to transform a Manchester cul-de-sac into a festive wonderland in just 24 hours. The event, organised by Fox's Biscuits, saw Grey Street in Stalybridge decorated with twinkling lights, biscuit-inspired displays and festive installations to bring Christmas magic to the local community.
Residents Join the Festive Switch-On
Craig Revel Horwood joined residents to switch on the lights and kick-start the Christmas celebrations. He said: "Darling, it's clear Christmas doesn't officially begin until the lights go on, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with a street full of sparkle."
He added: "I've seen some fabulous Christmas displays in my time, but seeing Grey Street transformed with thousands of twinkling lights really is something special. Christmas is all about spreading a little magic and bringing people together, and that's exactly what we've done here. Seeing the whole community come together to celebrate has been wonderful. Now that's how you do Christmas!"
Nation's Love for Festive Decorations
Research commissioned by Fox's Biscuits, polling 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, found that putting up decorations (35%) and the Christmas tree (35%) were the biggest indicators that the festive season had arrived, ahead of watching the local high street Christmas lights being switched on (19%).
The study also revealed that 83% of people say Christmas wouldn't be the same without festive lights and decorations. Over a third (37%) would love to see more Christmas lights in their local area, while 34% want more festive markets and nearly a quarter (24%) would welcome more carol singing.
When Does Christmas Begin?
According to the research, 51% have been to a Christmas light switch-on locally, while 31% said there's a property in their neighbourhood that goes completely overboard with its festive decorations. Beyond decorations, 10% reckon the festive period doesn't kick off until they begin tucking into seasonal treats, with 33% purchasing Christmas biscuits and 39% ensuring they share a biscuit or chocolate selection box.
As for when Christmas should officially begin, 22% find November a perfectly acceptable time to feel festive, while 35% said the first week of December is when they start feeling Christmassy. However, 48% believe Christmas starts too soon and creeps earlier every year, and more than a quarter (28%) insist it shouldn't even be mentioned before 1st December. At the other end of the spectrum, 2% get into the Christmas spirit as early as October, and one in 10 believe it's never too early to start celebrating.
Fox's Biscuits Gives Grey Street a Festive Glow-Up
Scott Perry, a spokesperson for Fox's Biscuits, which will also be giving one lucky homeowner a festive makeover to transform their property into a show-stopping Christmas wonderland, said: "Christmas is all about those little moments that make the season feel special, and there's nothing quite like seeing the decorations go up and the lights come on to get everyone feeling festive."
He added: "Our research shows just how much we love the traditions, community connections, treats and special moments that make this time of year so magical. That's why we wanted to go one step further this year and give Grey Street a festive glow-up to remember. It's safe to say, Christmas has officially arrived on Grey Street!"
