News Beat
Stanhope Road in Darlington looking festive for Christmas
What began during lockdown has grown into an annual tradition on Stanhope Road, featuring a coordinated light switch-on that brings the entire street together.
From glowing reindeers to Santa scaling a sparkling ladder, it is impossible not to get into the festive spirit when walking down this road.
Resident Ali Waters shared her excitement about spending her first Christmas on the street, which was a big reason why she wanted to move there.
She said: “The coordinated lights started in lockdown, where residents would decorate their trees just to make it something nice to look at.
“And then it became a bit more of a community thing.
“We now have a coordinated light switch on where every house in the street has a similar colour light scheme, and everyone comes out into the street, has a little chat and a drink and has a look around at everyone’s lights.
“I was so excited. It’s our first year here and before I moved into this house, I always used to say ‘that street looks amazing’, and now I get to be part of it.
“It was a big part of the appeal for me. When my husband said, “should we have a look at this house?’ I was like, ‘Oh my God, yes, have you seen it at Christmas’?”
The switch-on, which took place last Sunday (December 7), brought neighbours out of their homes to celebrate and get into the Christmas spirit.
Ali, 46, added: “At 7pm, the road was just full of people. All the neighbours came out and had a drink together, it was a really nice occasion.
“We have a street WhatsApp group where you can send a message at 10pm saying, ‘has anyone got a ladder?’ and somebody will be at your door in five minutes with a ladder.
“It’s such a lovely community here.”
