Elaborate Walsall Christmas light display back for 11th year

Gary Groves' Christmas lights display has become Walsall folklore over the past decade.

Published Dec 4, 2017

Last updated Dec 4, 2017

Gary Groves as Father Christmas and his son Thomas, six, as an elf, have for an 11th year decorated their home in Walsall

This year it is so elaborate - featuring more than 5,500 individual bulbs - that it took the professional boxer 11 days to put in place outside his home in Bagnall Street, Leamore.

Throughout December he can be found dressed as Santa with his six-year-old son, Thomas, donning his own elf outfit.

Visitors, of which there were around 2,000 last year, are greeted with Christmas cards and sweets.

Gary Groves as Farther Christmas and his son Thomas Groves

Left to right: Tayha Arrow-Smith, 8, Thomas Groves, Gary Groves and Matilda Daniel, 9.

Mr Groves, aged 48, said: "I do love Christmas. When I was a kid my mom and dad always took me to see Santa. I just want to create happy memories for kids.

"I get teenagers coming back who first came as young kids and they still come now. It is nice that they still remember and they bring their younger brothers and sisters now.

"The biggest achievement for me is just seen smiles on their faces. It makes me feel good."

The lights will be up until December 26 and are currently on daily from 5pm until around 8.30pm.