It's lit: Man decorates his house with 300,000 lights to raise money for Taxi Charity
Watt's going on, you may ask?
A man has decorated his home near Bristol with 300,000 lights to raise funds for the Taxi Charity, which supports military veterans.
Richard Iles' spectacular display is expected to be one of the largest domestic Christmas light displays across the UK, and will remain illuminated 24 hours a day until Twelfth Night.
Mr Iles, from Winterbourne Down near Bristol, put up more than 150,000 Christmas lights last year, raising over £15,000 for the charity, but has doubled his effort this time.
"I'm... hugely grateful to my incredible father-in-law who works tirelessly alongside me, often in cold and rain, late into the night, to build, test and perfect every part of the display," he said.
"His dedication is what brings these lights to life, and I'm so proud of what we've achieved together.
"Supporting the Taxi Charity means a great deal to me; their unwavering commitment to veterans is inspiring, and I'm honoured to play a small part in helping them continue that vital work."
Mr Iles, who travels to Normandy every year for the D-Day commemorations, has helped the charity out before and attended its veterans' Christmas lunch in 2024.
"As a small, niche charity that is wholly reliant on donations, we are incredibly grateful for Rich for choosing to support the Taxi Charity again in 2025," said Paul Cook, the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans' vice chairman.
"The effort that goes into creating this spectacular display is truly Herculean."
The charity is run by volunteer London black taxi drivers and has been supporting thousands of veterans since 1948.
It is the only forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment as it arranges free trips for veterans from all conflicts to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration as well as days out to museums, concerts and social events across the UK.
Donations can be made via Mr Iles' JustGiving page.
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