Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has transformed a gloomy cul-de-sac called Grey Street in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, with an early Christmas makeover featuring 20,000 festive lights.
The event was organised following research commissioned by Fox's Biscuits, which identified putting up decorations (35 per cent), the Christmas tree (35 per cent), and seeing high street Christmas lights switched on (19 per cent) as the biggest signs the festive season has arrived. These ranked ahead of seeing the first festive advert on TV (17 per cent) and hearing a Christmas song for the first time (16 per cent).
Craig Revel Horwood's festive glow-up
The TV dance judge, 61, 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. I've seen some fabulous Christmas displays in my time, but seeing Grey Street transformed with thousands of twinkling lights really is something special."
He added: "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!"
Public enthusiasm for festive traditions
The Fox's Biscuits study, surveying 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas, found 37 per cent would love to see more Christmas lights in their local community, while 34 per cent want more festive markets and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would welcome more carol singing. The research also found 51 per cent have attended a Christmas light switch-on in their local area, while 31 per cent said there's a house in their neighbourhood that goes all out with its festive decorations.
Aside from decorations, 10 per cent believe the festive season doesn't truly begin until they start indulging in seasonal treats. Biscuits are firmly on the menu, with 33 per cent buying Christmas biscuits, while 39 per cent make sure to share a biscuit or chocolate selection box.
Divided over the start of Christmas
However, the nation remains divided over how early is too early to embrace the festivities, as 48 per cent believe Christmas starts too soon and creeps earlier every year. More than a quarter (28 per cent) even insist it shouldn't be mentioned before 1st December.
Scott Perry, Chief Marketing Officer at Fox's Biscuits, 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. Our research shows just how much we love the traditions, community connections, treats and special moments that make this time of year so magical."
He added: "Because nothing says Christmas quite like a little Fox's Biscuits magic. 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!"
One lucky homeowner can win a festive makeover to transform their property into a show-stopping Christmas wonderland.
