A popular Isle of Wight Christmas lights display has announced it raised more than £2,500 for Island charities during its 2023 celebration.

The award-winning Goldcrest Close Christmas Lights in Carisbrooke returned for its tenth year, raising funds for the Island’s RSPCA branch and IW Samaritans.

The lights were switched on at 6pm on December 1, and captivated visitors – who arrived in their coachloads – throughout the festive period,

Matthew Whitham, 26, was hard at work for three months creating the 2023 display, which included over 150m of mains power cable, 20 waterproof sockets, 20 waterproof electric boxes, 40 extension leads, 60m of garland, 1,000 baubles, 2,000 cable ties and 1,000 screws!

Isle of Wight County Press: Goldcrest Close Christmas Lights 2023Goldcrest Close Christmas Lights 2023 (Image: IWCP)

Today (Thursday, January 4), Matthew announced the Christmas lights had raised £2,501.50.

Posting on the Goldcrest Close Christmas Lights Facebook page, Matthew said: “This means our charities, IW Samaritans and IW RSPCA, will receive an amazing £1,250.75 each!

“Thank you to everyone who donated! In the last three years, we have raised £7,738 for Island charities.”

A spokesperson for IW RSPCA said: “We can’t thank Matt and his family enough for choosing us as one of their charities.

“What an amazing display, and what a wonderful way to start the New Year!

“Thank you to everyone who visited and donated. It means a lot to us and our animals in care.”