This is a short but brightly lit tour of an area of Stirchley centred around Pineapple Road. This area was once rolling farmland until the houses of the Pineapple Estate were built in the 1930s.  In its heyday this was the centre of the Northern European pineapple growing industry with fruit being exported to every corner of the globe. However, at the turn of the century pineapples grown in tropical and subtropical areas began to flood the market and British growers, with the less favourable climate,  found themselves unable to compete. Gradually the industry declined and the land was bought up by the City Council for housing. Something like that anyway.

But now back to the lights.

Follow the PERSHORE ROAD heading south out of the city centre. As you pass Pebble Mill and the Nature Centre, look out for the Nature Centre's splendid Christmas tree. Just before you get into Stirchley proper turn left onto  CARTLAND ROAD (just after the Bowling Alley).  Take the second right onto NEWLANDS ROAD. This road has two HoHoHo featured displays but many other residents have also lit up their houses so take your time as you follow the road up and round.

At the top of Newlands Road you turn left onto LEWIS ROAD then left onto PINEAPPLE ROAD. You’ll probably be able to see the large inflated Santa as you turn. Go down Pineapple Road and look for the row of fairy light Christmas tree shapes on your left. Go straight over Cartland Road (take care it’s a tricky junction) and carry on down PINEAPPLE ROAD.  You might want to pause at SPA GROVE on your right to see two HoHoHo featured displays - you’ll need to get out of the car to have a look as they are a bit tucked away.

When you’re finished here carry on down PINEAPPLE ROAD and take the first right onto BRENT ROAD. Follow this road around and you’ll find yourself back on PINEAPPLE ROAD. Take a right and then left onto DAD’S LANE. Take the first left onto DERWENT ROAD, pause at Derwent Grove on your left to see a Santa on-the-move display then carry on down Derwent Road looking out for the giant Winnie the Pooh on your right.

Follow the road around as it turns into ASHBROOK ROAD. There are three HoHoHo featured houses on Ashbrook but many other people have decorated their homes aswell so it’s quite a colourful street. At the bottom of Ashbrook Road turn left onto DAD’S LANE. You may want to stop at the chip shop here for a lovely fish and chip supper to round off your evening. It’s reputedly one of the best  in Brum.

When you’re done follow Dad’s Lane onto DOGPOOL LANE which takes you back onto the PERSHORE ROAD. It’s right for the city centre, left for Stirchley.