Famous Sheffield Christmas house puts on biggest EVER light display for a brilliant reason

Phillip Gratton always puts on a spectacular show at his home on the A61 Meadowhead near Morrisons, which has been nicknamed the ‘Christmas House’ thanks to the festive illuminations.

But he has gone all out this year, spending a whopping £400 on new decorations, because he believes the simple joy they bring to people’s lives is needed more than ever amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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Phillip, whose wife Sarah runs Pamela’s Sweetie Shop in nearby Woodseats, said: “This is the biggest display yet by far. Every year we add to it but this year we’ve made it extra special because people need a bit of cheering up.”

This year’s display includes a snow machine, a 12ft Christmas tree, a letter box where people can post their letters to Santa and a wishing well into which admirers can throw donations for St Luke’s Hospice Sheffield.

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Phillip estimates there are at least 10,000 bulbs in total – including 1,600 on the roof alone, which he put up despite being scared of heights – and says last year’s smaller display added around £300 to the family’s electricity bill.

The father-of-three switched the lights on 10 days earlier than usual this year but the snow machine, wishing well and Santa’s letter box will be in place from December 2, Covid-19 permitting, for people to enjoy in a socially distanced manner.

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The show has grown each Christmas since Sarah’s nan, after whom the sweet shop is named, gave them some decorations to put up some 13 years ago.