A Christmas-mad dad who adorns each inch of home with lights mentioned he’ll by no means cease “no matter what” – regardless of 25% electrical energy price improve.
Festive fanatic Paul Bibby, 57, lights up his road in Chelmsford, Essex, together with his unbelievable mild show yearly – and 2022 isn’t any totally different.
For the previous 17 years, carer Paul has made a reputation for himself within the native space for it – with annually getting larger and higher than the one earlier than.
This yr noticed him string up 30,000 lights in addition to a number of large inflatable decorations together with an eight foot tall Santa, penguin and nutcracker.
He mentioned vitality worth hikes this yr means the show alone will price him £8 a day to run – a 25% rise on 2021.
But he “doesn’t care about the cost” and can do it annually “no matter what” as a result of he desires to make individuals smile – and lift cash for charity.
Paul, who lives with associate Linda Cummings, 59, and son Aaron Bibby, 35, mentioned: “It’s a lot of work putting them up and taking them down, but I love doing them.
“People stroll previous and inform me they’ve by no means seen something prefer it.
“It’s always worth doing because I ask for donations for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, and because they make people so happy.
“I knew it could be costlier this yr, however I do not care about the associated fee.
“Nothing would have stopped me doing my lights.”
Paul began his custom 17 Christmases in the past with a single string of Christmas lights on his house – and he acquired the bug.
Each yr he aimed to make his show larger than the final – and it now attracts spectators from as much as 20 miles away.
While the home is completely free to go to, he asks individuals to think about donating to his native ambulance service – which he says is a “fantastic cause” and makes it price it.
Last yr he raised £850 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance – as a result of the show introduced in as much as £60 per day in donations.
He mentioned: “I know everything has gone up in price – I never saw myself paying £4.50 for a pack of butter!
“But I’ll do my lights yearly and I do not even care about the associated fee as a result of individuals find it irresistible and it is a good trigger.
“People around here probably think I’m crazy – but I love doing it because just want to make people happy.
“I’ll stick with it till I’m too previous to rise up the ladder!”
