Wolffkran’s Illuminated Cranes Become South Yorkshire Christmas Tradition

While Christmas lights are being activated globally, a particular location off the M1 motorway in South Yorkshire illuminates towering cranes instead of a traditional tree. According to Wolffkran, a crane rental agency, this yearly Christmas light activation near Sheffield has evolved into a community custom. Richard Coughtree, the managing director, stated that the company has been illuminating its cranes, which are visible from the motorway, since its relocation to the site in 2002. He remarked, “It’s grown momentum over the years. We get complaints if we don’t switch them on. When the lights are on it’s Christmastime, that’s the feeling.” He further commented, “In the daylight they don’t look very appealing, but you put the Christmas lights on and it changes the dynamic completely.” Saul Blackburn, a crane operator, assisted in decorating the cranes for the illumination event held on Thursday. Having been employed by Wolffkran for over 15 years, he described himself as a “very big Christmas person.” He expressed, “It’s brilliant when you’re driving down the motorway and you can see these cranes up in the air with all the lights on.” Blackburn detailed the installation process: “I installed the lights on this crane a couple of weekends back and it’s a case of dragging all the lights up here – they’re all on big reels and drums – and grab one end of it and set off down the jib pulling it out.” He also reflected on the challenge: “When you first start, because you’re only 18, you’re only a young lad, you don’t think about the height, it didn’t really bother me. But the older I get the more I think about it.” These illuminations have transformed into a cherished landmark in Sheffield, brightening the route home for individuals during the Christmas season or after shopping at Meadowhall. Michelle Cook, a Wolffkran employee, commented, “I’ve worked here for 21 years so it means everything to us. It’s a nice give back to the community to put our Christmas lights on – lighting the journey home.” She further explained the recognition factor: “If you say you work for Wolffkran people don’t know what you mean, but as soon as you say the cranes at the side of the M1 everyone knows where you work.” Cook concluded, “It just means people know they’re close to home. It lights the way home for them.”