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Heath Wood Drive Christmas light display in Maidstone compared to Leed’s Castle trail and even sings Tom Hank’s Polar Express song

19:40, 17 December 2023

updated: 22:05, 17 December 2023

An elaborate light display that uses computer coding and LEDs has been compared to Leed’s Castle Christmas trail.

Alan Robinson has turned his Heath Wood Drive home in Maidstone into a winter wonderland with his array of fancy lights that are able to perform to all sorts of music – even Tom Hank’s ‘Hot Chocolate’ song from film Polar Express.

The 44-year-old began planning the festivities in January and uses four controllers that are connected to Raspberry Pi computers, which he coded and built himself, to manage the display.

He said: “I began making this type of display last year, I also do them for Halloween and Remembrance Day.

“After last year’s success, I had 150 people watching the lights outside my house on October 31 and they said I should chose a charity for people to donate to.

“So, as a passionate animal lover, I decided to use my Christmas display to raise money for the RSPCA in Leybourne.”

So far Alan, who has a dog named Willow, believes he has raised £200 for the organisation through a bucket outside his home and a GoFundMe page he set up.

Alan Robinson's house in Maidstone lit up for Christmas. Pictures: Alan Robinson
Alan Robinson's house in Maidstone lit up for Christmas. Pictures: Alan Robinson
Alan Robinson - with Willow the whippet - is behind the amazing light display
Alan Robinson - with Willow the whippet - is behind the amazing light display

Visitors have even been invited to use a juke box app so they can select their favourite tunes to sync up with Alan’s lights.

Despite the number of lights used for his display Alan explained it doesn’t cost him an arm and a leg to run.

He added: “It isn’t hugely expensive to run, my electric bill is next to nothing.

“People are amazed by the display and have even compared it to Leeds Castle’s Christmas trail.

“I’ve had so much praise, it is wonderful to see.”

How Alan's house looks during the day
How Alan's house looks during the day

Alan will have his lights on every day from 4pm to 9pm until January 6.

Sound is played alongside the display on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

To find out more or donate search Heath Wood Lights on Facebook.

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