In conversation with Andy Murray from Westfield Lights I learned about the history of this venture and also how much they have raised for charity since it started. What an incredible team: congratulations on your amazing efforts.
“Westfield Christmas Lights was started back in December 1975 when Mr and Mrs Munday and Mr and Mrs Tomsett put some lights up on their houses. This was then followed by a few neighbours and over the years this has grown and grown into a fantastic display of lights in the whole village.
“Around the same time as the lights, a village community tree was put up in Mr and Mrs Tomsett’s garden. This happened each year until a permanent tree was planted in the corner of their front garden for all to see: this is now just a little bit bigger.
“The Westfield lights team get together at various times throughout the year to discuss what more we can do. Ideas flow around the team and the excitement builds. We start putting up lights from the end of October, throughout November and even in December. We have to unfortunately repair lights from damage (even from animals) and replace lights that fail. This last few days has been particularly difficult due to the snow with branches from trees that have fallen due to the weight of the snow taking out some of the lights and also some breakdowns.
“We have for the last couple of years asked for sponsorship from local companies / supporters of the lights and we cannot thank them enough. This has enabled us to purchase more lights. Last year from these funds we spent over £2800 on lights, cables etc, and purchased a snow machine (which the kids love.) We have also lit up the church by uncovering the overgrown flood lights and replacing all the bulbs from halogen to LED.
“This year we have spent more than £1,400 on extra lights (some for replacement of broken lights) and cables etc. In addition to the lights, we have to pay for sponsorship signage, collection buckets, banners for the charities. It is a complex operation and requires team work and support.
“We have been supported by 1st choice inflatables (we cannot thank them enough for their support of this venture) for the last two years who kindly help us out with the giant Father Christmas and the Snowman that is in Ken Munday’s garden and proves to be a major focal point that the children love.
“The light display started on December 2 this year and will go on through to New Year’s Day. It is 6-9pm each night in Westfield Village TN35 4SW for everyone to enjoy a spectacular display of Christmas lights. Experience the most festive village in the whole of Sussex!
“To date Westfield’s annual light display has raised an incredible £109,850.61 for St Michael’s Hospice (Hastings and Rother). In December 2021 we smashed our all-time record and received donations of £16,106.99 which brought Ken Munday to tears.
“We cannot thank all the villagers, sponsors, every one of the volunteer Christmas Lights Team enough, as without them all the lights would not be what they are today in raising thousands for local charities.
“We are raising money for two smaller charities this year so we are going to support a charity in St Leonards on Sea, Charity for Kids and also, a charity in our own village of Westfield, Veterans’ Growth. “
Image Credits: Westfield Christmas lights , JTP53 photography .