Congratulations to Goldcrest Close, Carisbrooke for winning Light up the Wight 2023 and scooping £400 prize money for the second year!
2nd place – Wellesley Way, Newport (£200)
3rd place – Bannock Road, Whitwell (£100)
Almost 1,500 votes were cast throughout December after Islanders ventured out in their cars – and on the sold-out Southern Vectis tour bus – to see the wonderful array of Christmas lights displays across the Island – 26 in total.
The winning display at Goldcrest Close, put together by Matt Whitham, once again proved popular with the crowds. Matt starts putting things together at the end of August, working in his spare time to carefully curate the display. This year he was raising money for RSPCA and Samaritans.
Taking 2nd place in this year’s competition is Wellesley Way in Newport. Martin Penney’s unique display is made up entirely of computer-controlled LED lights which flash in sync with the music. The 2018 winner missed out on the top spot again this year, but his podium finish cements his place as a firm Island favourite.
Bannock Road in Whitwell rounds off the podium in this year’s competition, once again taking 3rd place. Shane Thornton and his dad, Andy, were this year raising money for WightSAR – the Island’s voluntary search and rescue charity. Their display has grown in size again, lighting up the rural South Wight village.
Thanks to the continued support of event sponsor Southern Vectis, the top 3 displays have each received prize money to put towards this year’s display. Goldcrest Close receives £400, Wellesley Way receives £200 and Bannock Road £100.
Thousands of pounds were raised for charity by those displays taking part in Light up the Wight 2023.
Southern Vectis was able to once again run their annual tour bus, which proved to be a sell-out success. Thanks to the Island’s bus operator for sponsoring Light up the Wight, showing their continued support for the competition and map.
You can watch a montage video of all 26 displays below…
