Runton Road Christmas Lights dazzle slightly less brightly this year

The famously spectacular Runton Road Christmas Lights in Poole are once again raising money for local charities. But there is a bit less sparkle than usual - and it seems the cost-of-living crisis is to blame.

Dubbed the most ‘Christmassy’ road in Britain, Runton Road is a cul-de-sac in Branksome, Poole, where, for nearly 30 years the majority of the road's properties have gone Christmas crazy, bringing festive cheer to the local community and raising thousands of pounds for charity.

This year, however, we spotted fewer houses lit up, and when we visited, the road was surprisingly empty despite the still-impressive displays.

Resident John Tuvey explained: 

"There may be a few of the larger displays not being used due to the cost of running them but most new items are LED which use less electricity. We used to have a lot more blow-ups, for example, as they run on normal lightbulbs, and of course those are the ones that use the most power," he said.

"I’m using LEDs this year but other than that I have no intentions of cutting back too much because, let’s face it, the little kids expect to see a nice display. Also it’s so important for the charities, I collect for Julia’s House and I want to get as much as I can for them - it's vital. I won't stop doing it.”

John has raised over £23,000 for the charity over the ten years he's lived in the road but he understands that this year is tricky for many people.

"It's not a case of we're out here begging, it's just a box outside," said John. “The most important thing is seeing the smiles, the happiness it brings.”

Collection boxes are available around the road for donations to local charities, which, apart from Julia's House, this year include Amelia's Rainbow, Cheers4Chester, Spring and the RNLI. 

Visitors are advised that the lights start coming on at around 4.30pm and are turned off again at 10pm so that children in the road can get to sleep. People are asked to park nearby and walk to Runton Rd to avoid congestion.

We were impressed at the lengths many of the residents have still gone to to put on a festive show, so, wrap up warm, bring your loose change and get into the Christmas spirit! 

By Emily McGregor, Local News and Lifestyle Reporter