There’s snow place like Longthorpe as charity Christmas lights shine brightly for hospice
Longthorpe is sparkling with festive magic as resident David Wooldridge switches on his much-anticipated Christmas lights display in support of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice.
Open to the public, the dazzling spectacle will light up David’s house on Longthorpe Green every evening from 5pm to 8pm until Thursday, January 8. 2026.
This year’s display is 63-year-old David’s most ambitious yet, featuring 46 Christmas trees of varying sizes, a golden tunnel of lights, and a host of new inflatables – including a six-foot reindeer with a fur-like finish that promises to be a hit with children.
Visitors will be greeted by inflatable gingerbread figures glowing beneath warm white lights at the front of the house, while the back garden bursts with playful touches, including polar bears jostling to slide down an inflatable slide.
David, who works as a landscape gardener, admits the weather delayed preparations slightly this year. He said: “It’s been a long slog – I started back in October, working evenings after work, and then spent two and a half solid weeks in November getting everything together. I’m a bit fussy, I like things done properly, but all the hard work’s paid off now and it’s all come together beautifully. People were already stopping by to film the lights before I’d got the inflatables up!”
Known locally as “The Light Man,” David says the joy on visitors’ faces is the real reward: “It’s just seeing the kids, their happy faces – and the adults too. Their enjoyment makes it all worthwhile and of course raising money for such a wonderful cause. People start messaging me as early as October asking if it’s on again!”
Since beginning his festive fundraiser, David has raised more than £20,000 for nearby Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, which provides expert palliative and bereavement support.
Local business, GH Display in Peterborough, has once again provided signage for the front of the display, helping to guide visitors to the magical scene
Asif Shaheed, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “David’s creativity and dedication to fundraising are extraordinary. Each year he brings joy to the community while helping us continue our mission – ensuring no one has to face death or grief alone.”
To find out more about Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, visit www.sueryder.org/thorpehall