Gunville Christmas Lights Gain National Attention After BBC One Visit

A spectacular Christmas lights display in Gunville has been given national exposure after featuring on BBC One’s The One Show.

The festive attraction, created by Ash Lane resident Lee Hayden, is raising money for Mountbatten Isle of Wight and has continued to grow in size and popularity since first launching three years ago.

Last year, Lee’s display won the Light Up the Wight competition, and this Christmas it has returned even bigger and brighter — attracting the attention of TV presenter Angellica Bell, who visited earlier this week as part of filming for The One Show.

Speaking during her visit, Angellica said she was “absolutely in shock”, adding: “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The display features thousands of colourful lights, moving reindeer, snowmen, Father Christmas figures and a large outdoor Christmas tree, with almost every part of the house and garden illuminated.

On some evenings, visitors may also spot Santa making a special appearance, particularly for those arriving as part of the Southern Vectis Christmas lights bus tour.

Despite preparations being disrupted this year after Lee suffered a serious knee injury, friends, family and local businesses stepped in to help bring the display to life.

Support has come from companies including MK Scaffolding, Shide Trees and Sydenhams.

Lee said:

“We try and change it up each year and make it that little bit bigger.”

The lights can be seen at the end of Ash Lane in Newport from 4.30pm until 9pm each evening, running through to the end of December.

Visitors are encouraged to donate in support of Mountbatten Isle of Wight.

Two other festive displays on the Island — in The Mall, Binstead, and Manor Road, Lake — are also raising funds for the charity this Christmas.