Braintree house puts up 30,000 Christmas lights for charity

The O’Brien household in Black Notley has been dazzling with 62 flashing wall signs, 15 inflatables, and a whopping 30,000 Christmas lights decorating the house’s front, side, and roof.

The family promised this year would be “bigger and better” after decorating the house last year with 18,000 fairy lights and 52 wall signs.

The annual switch on takes place for charity, raising important funds for the local church and for organisations close to the family’s heart.

Family - Graham, Sharn and six of their seven children: Faith, 14, Charlie, 8, Amelia, 7, Jake, 6, Archie, 3, and Alfie, 2 (Image: Newsquest) Santa himself switched on the lights last Saturday, as well as handed out gifts of balloons, chocolate and more sweet treats to the many children who arrived.

At 5pm, the lights came on, the tunes were merry, and the snow machine had bubbles of joy falling through the air to the delight of the crowd.

Mum Sharn, 37, said: “It was amazing.

“The turnout was bigger this year than it ever has been, everyone just flooded over.

“It couldn’t have gone better, and the kids absolutely loved it.”

Guest - Santa switched on the lights and brought a sack full of gifts (Image: Newsquest) Dad Graham, 42, said: “I’m just so happy and thankful that many people turned up to see it.

“There were probably between 50 to 70 people.

“I’d like to thank everyone for coming and supporting us and raising funds for these charities.”

For the past few years, the family have raised money for the National Autistic Society and St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church in Black Notley.

House - This year's 30,000 lights are more lights than the house has ever seen before (Image: Newsquest) Graham continued: “Next year, we want to switch it up—I saw an advert for a charity where £15 is enough for a gift to a young child in need.

“I’d love to donate the money from our cake stall to that charity and know how many kids got a present from us.”

Sharn added: “We’re also thinking of hiring a giant snow globe for the kids.”

Fun - The kids enjoy the festive lights every year (Image: Newsquest) The family are holding off on counting the funds raised just yet, as they expect more visitors to come and enjoy their house in the coming weeks.

Sharn said: “We’re really looking forward to opening our collection jars and counting the funds together.”

To donate, search ‘Charity light switch on event’ in Go Fund Me, or visit the O’Brien house in Mary Ruck Way.