‘We’re not going to let Covid ruin our Christmas’ – Sheffield suburb plans spectacular show

People in the south Sheffield community of Greenhill are being urged to ‘put a smile on people’s faces’ this Christmas by transforming the area with festive decorations and lights.

Father-of-two Kevin Palmer is one of the co-ordinators of a Facebook group which is urging as many residents as possible to join in with the spectacular show.

He said the tight-knit neighbourhood normally puts on a decent display every year, but that they were hoping to make this year’s extra special.

“Everyone has had a really bad year with Covid but we are not going to let it ruin our Christmas,” he said.

“The idea is for everyone to join in and have fun, the more the better. We want it to be like Blackpool.

“We think it will be a good way of spreading that feel-good factor and giving something back to the community, particularly the children.”

Kevin said as well as people’s houses, organisers are hoping the suburb’s shops will put on something equally impressive.

“We stood together as a community even before Covid and we particularly got behind the shopkeepers,” he said.

“They kept us going all the way through the lockdown. The butchers and the bakers and everyone really pulled together kept us supplied all the way through.

“Chris Key from Key Homecare is organising the shop displays and we have even advertised for a Father Christmas to go round the streets in his sleigh!”

The suburb’s centerpiece will undoubtedly be the Christmas tree in the middle of the area’s main roundabout.

The tree itself has been replanted by Amey last week after the previous one was sadly vandalised in April.

But the neighborhood will also be hosting a socially-distanced Christmas carol event on Sunday, December 20 and a ‘living advent calendar’ where selected residents will show off their home decorations one at a time throughout the festive period.

“We are determined not to let Covid beat us,” added Kevin.

“Let’s put a smile on people’s faces and spread a bit of joy into 2020!”

To get involved or find out more, visit the ‘Greenhill Xmas Lights’ page on Facebook.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.