Christmas lights bus tours 'bring joy' to island

The creator of an elaborate Christmas display has said he "just wants to bring joy" to people who visit his home on festive bus tours.

Each year, an open-top double-decker takes passengers to some of the Isle of Wight's best light displays as part of the annual Light up the Wight competition.

Leon Girling, who came third in 2024, has spent years working on his creation in Sandown, which takes inspiration from Harry Potter, Star Wars and Lego.

He said: "It's a quite a commitment to get it built and then I almost lie down on the drive on the last day and look at it all lit up and go: 'It's finished!'."

The display in Victoria Road, Sandown, which featured on The One Show on BBC1 on Friday, has been built up over three years.

This year's lavish tableau includes a new flying Ford Anglia inspired by the car from the Harry Potter films, made from plywood and wheelbarrow wheels.

There is also a smoke and snow machine, projections and a fire-breathing dragon.

Mr Girling said: "My annual display was created as a way of staying sane during Covid lockdown.

"All my family get involved, including my parents, kids and wife. Most of my display is made from upcycling materials."

Light up the Wight is supported by Island Echo and Southern Vectis and the displays raise money for charity.

The bus tours, which are sold out, run from Newport and include Ryde, St Helens, Whitwell and Cowes.

Winners of a public vote will be announced in January.

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