Mirfield Fundraiser Concludes Two Decades of Christmas Light Displays

A charity fundraiser, whose Christmas lights displays have attracted large numbers of visitors for over two decades, has announced that this year’s display will be his final one. The illuminations at Derek Highe’s home in Mirfield annually draw thousands of people from across the area, and he has successfully raised more than £80,000 to date. Mr. Highe, 66, recognized as a “local hero,” has also arranged visits from Santa Claus every Christmas Eve for neighboring children and organized firework displays. However, he stated that the lights switch-on event held on Sunday was the last, indicating his decision to “end on a high” and conclude the project while he remains fit and healthy. Mr. Highe initiated the displays in 2002 as a tribute to an old friend who was diagnosed with, and later died of, cancer. He explained: “It just took off. I never envisaged it would become so big and it would mean so much to so many people.” Mr. Highe’s residence has also functioned as a free attraction for families who might be experiencing financial difficulties during the festive period. He mentioned that his outdoor Christmas tree alone features 10,000 lights, which he kept illuminated daily from 16:30 until 22:00, commencing from the first Sunday in December. Mr. Highe reported that installing all the lights required six weeks. While his electricity bill was formerly very high, the use of newer LED lights enabled him to power 1,500 lights from a single socket for under a penny an hour. He noted that approximately £59,000 of his fundraising efforts over the years had been contributed to Kirkwood Hospice in Huddersfield. Mr. Highe described the hospice as an establishment that had “helped and supported so many local people.” Michael Crowther, chief executive of Kirkwood Hospice, commented: “With over two decades’ worth of fundraising, he’s a local hero. You can see by the turnout on Sunday just how much it means to the people of Mirfield.” Currently, individuals can donate money using a special “money chute” that Mr. Highe created by removing some panelling in his house. He stated that this system was introduced during the pandemic when social distancing was required. He elaborated: “We raised the most money ever in a year during lockdown, around £7,000, and I hope to beat that this year.” He added: “When Covid hit, it was something for children to do at Christmas and it means so much to them. And over the years some of the children are now bringing their children, so that’s very special.” Roger Stephenson, Mr. Highe’s neighbour, remarked that there was no need to visit the famous Blackpool Illuminations because “it’s just like it outside our front door.” Lucy, Mr. Highe’s daughter, also confirmed that his family witnessed firsthand the extensive effort involved in setting up the lights. She stated: “We are so very proud of what he has achieved over the years.” Mr. Highe, who is preparing to retire as a cabinet maker, acknowledged that the local community would greatly miss his display and that the decision to bring things to a close was not an easy one. He expressed: “But I want to go out with a bang while I am still fit and healthy.” Mr. Highe revealed his intention to participate in a triathlon in 2025 and hopes to qualify for Team GB in his age category. He indicated that this would represent “a new, albeit different, way of fundraising.”