Wellingborough Christmas display set to shine at big switch-on this Saturday

The Beetson family, who live in Torrington Road, had decorated their home with lights for the festive season for nearly three decades, but it was son of the house, Karl, who took the display to new levels with his computer skills.

This year's Christmas charity collection for good causes looks set to break the £30,000 barrier with an even bigger and better dazzling display than before.

Karl, 30, said: "Since we started collecting for charities in 2007, we've helped raise over £28,600 and we are really excited to break past the £30,000 barrier this year.

"Last year we raised £4,737.15 including gift aid shared between Wellingborough MIND and Chelsea's Angels.

"This year we are raising money for Glamis Hall for All and we are being sponsored by Plumbco."

Karl's display of more than 50,000 bulbs will be complemented by more motion and animated Christmas lights than ever before as well as a huge snowman called big John, named after

the man who bought and donated it.

It was touch and go if the display would take place this year due to a change in circumstances.

Karl, who works as flight simulator engineer at RAF Brize Norton, said: "We weren't sure if we were going to do a display this year as I've now moved out of the family home and bought my own house in Thrapston.

"Fortunately it's all going well and we, as a family, have decided to continue the tradition despite now living away.

"We love putting on the display for all our hundreds of visitors we get over the month. It brings us joy to brighten up families lives in this cold and dark month and it's even better we can help local causes like Glamis Hall."

As well as the display visitors will be able to support a fundraising raffle with prizes donated by Wellingborough businesses.

Karl has urged people to walk to the house and park away from Torrington Road.

He said: "We ask people to join our Facebook group Beetson's Christmas Lights and sign up to the switch on event there for details and important information regarding parking and road closures.

"I am really grateful for Plumbco, Rutherfords and the others supporters who donate their business resources or raffle prizes every year."

When asked if he was going to decorate his new home in Thrapston he added: "Me and my girlfriend Megan are putting some lights on our house in Thrapston but nothing to the level of Torrington Road as I'd have to clone myself or discover a long lost twin to have the time to achieve two amazing displays."

The Beetson Christmas display switch-on event starts at 4pm on Saturday, November 30, with the lights going on at about 4.45pm.

You can see last year's display here.