The welcome at Downton Crescent
The journey to Downton Crescent reveals that this part of East Birmingham boasts a bounty of illuminations. With such a high average fairy light count per household it would take something pretty spectacular to stand out from the festive crowd but it looks like Roy Harris and family have managed to do just that.
Winnie and friends
Roy has loved Christmas illuminations since he was a boy, so it's no surprise that his whole family are now involved. Upon arriving outside his house you are immediately greeted by a bucket-wielding diminutive Santa who encourages you to give a donation to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. On the night HoHoHo visited this was Roy’s son Shane, but his brother Mathew and sister Shannon take turns on the night shift too.
Looking for the inflatable bone
It was three years ago that Roy’s friends at Macadown Social club suggested he made a charity collection. That year they raised £250 for the PDSA, and the following year £450 for Children in Need. This year - incredibly - they have already passed the £1000 mark only 10 days into December. Between the social club and the children’s efforts in school, local word of mouth brings a steady stream of visitors. ‘Coach parties’ of old folk often divert the ring-and-ride to stop off at the house on their way home, and a convoy of teachers from the school are expected any day. Mum Debbie says they get a lot of parents visiting night after night with young children who won’t sleep unless they’ve seen the lights before bed time.
Homer's girth requires special air power
The newest element of the display is an animatronic snowman who cheerfully sang Christmas carols for the duration of our visit. Most striking, though was the number of inflatables. Such glowing celebrities as Santa Homer Simpson, Winnie the Pooh and a festive Scoobie Doo sway gently on the drive.
As to future plans, Roy has recently heard about a 15 ft polar bear bouncy castle which he plans to incorporate in his collection. A ‘Beware – bouncing Santas’ roadsign might also be wise.
Scooby guards front of house
All donations to: Birmingham Childrens Hospital
