Inside look at The Grove, Southend, Christmas lights

Peter Edgson, of The Grove, Southend, has become a famous face on his street for his annual sparkling Christmas lights displays at his home.

The 35-year-old says he has been “in love with the magic” of Christmas lights since he was a young boy.

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“I actually started collecting lights when I was about 13,” he explained.

“And from there on it just got worse and worse,” Mr Edgson, who estimates his collection costs closed to £10,000, quipped.

Despite rising costs amid the cost-of-living crisis, the keen Christmas reveller has kept the show going, with the help of sponsorship from Southend-based recruitment firm Fussy.

“With the prices going through the roof for electric, I wouldn’t have been able to do without them,” Mr Edgson said.

“And it is all for a good cause, to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“Please give generously and every penny donated will go to this fantastic charity.”

“It’s a charity that is so close to so many people’s hearts, and anyone who has had a child need to stay there has nothing but fantastic words for them.”

Mr Edgson’s lights are so fantastic, they are known across the country, with people travelling down every year to get a glimpse of the latest offering.

“We get people travelling to see the lights from as far as Kent and Derby. There is a couple who live in Birmingham who come down every year and they love them,” he said.

“People really love it, it’s a tradition and a part of the magic of Christmas.”

It takes Mr Edgson almost seven weeks to set the display up, and another three weeks to take it down when he switches them off on January 1.

“People are always stopping and chatting when they pass, it really gets people talking and sharing their memories of Christmas growing up.

“I know there are a few other houses in the area which do something similar, but I think mine are the craziest!”

The lights are on each night from 5pm to 9pm.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/peter-edgson-1668283817046?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=one_page&utm_content=page/peter-edgson-1668283817046&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=fdd80c097dae4199956e1ff508314edd