In pictures: The Tippings switch on their magical fundraising Christmas lights in Cottam

The Christmas lights switch on was a success for the Tippings

Not even Storm Arwen could deter hundreds of people from turning out to celebrate what has now become for many the official start of the festive season in Preston – the Tippings Christmas lights switch on.

For the 10th consecutive year, the Tipping family’s Valentines Meadow home in Cottam is now a beacon of light and hope following Friday evening’s (November 26) switch on, which was accompanied by a fireworks display.

The fireworks display. Pic: Sean Oakes Photography

It will stay lit up until the 12th night (Wednesday, January 5) to raise funds for four local charities, one of which is Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

The other charities are Derian House Children’s Hospice, Headway Central Lancashire and the Jordan Grant 18 Memorial Fund (CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young).

Over the last decade, visitors to the lights, which take dad Mark, mum Nicola and sons Sam, Joe and Isaac weeks to put up, have donated an incredible £107,596.15 alongside online supporters that has been shared among the quartet of good causes.

The lights lit up the street. Pic: Sean Oakes Photography

To boost money raised this year, the Tippings lights will feature as part of a Christmas parade route that will see Santa Claus and various friends coming to Cottam on Sunday, December 19.

Joined by helpers with collection buckets, Santa will set off from Hayfield Park at 5pm to go down Hoyles Lane and along Cottam Way and to the Tippings before processing to Cottam Community Hall and a final stop at the Ancient
Oak at around 7pm.

The parade is being organised by the Tippings and Cottam Community Association, which was responsible for last year’s Let’s Make Cottam Sparkle campaign.

The lights have been put up for the past 10 years. Pic: Sean Oakes Photography

Mark said: “All went well on Friday night despite the high winds. I would like to thank everyone who came and say a special thank you to Sheds 4 U, of Aqueduct Street in Preston, which donated and built the shed/stable that we are using for the Nativity scene.

“All the lights are now up and running as planned and hopefully, we will have another successful fundraising year.”