EACH year, a Finchampstead cul-de-sac transforms into a winter wonderland.
A synchronised light display dancing to festive music creates a captivating experience for visitors to Columbia Court.
The show is fully interactive, with a QR code that links to a jukebox App on people’s phones.
This lets them choose any song they like from a curated playlist, with the audio streaming directly to their device.
This year there are more props, more sequences, and even more lights, says Columbia Court resident Dave Hartley who creates the show.
“The App is a fun feature that also helps keep things neighbour-friendly — we don’t have to blast Christmas tunes across the whole street every evening,” he said.
Dave works for NCC Group.
“The show is very much a community effort,” he said.
“We all love Christmas and do our best to make the most of the season.
“I’ve always loved visiting other people’s lights with my family and making wonderful festive memories — so being able to create that experience for others is a real privilege.
“It gives me joy to see young families dancing in the street, simply having a great time at Christmas.”
Each year, one of the residents chooses which charity the lightshow will support.
“This year, the chosen charity is Promise Inclusion,” said Dave.
“It was selected by one of our neighbours whose family has received invaluable help and support from the charity for their son.”
Promise Inclusion gives people with a learning or associated disability, access to provision, facilities and opportunities to enrich their lives and empower them within the local community.
A Columbia Court family with first hand experience of Promise Inclusion, said: “The charity is wonderful, providing an anchor and a lifeline for so many individuals and families navigating the often lonely and challenging world of intellectual disability and autism.
“We first came across Promise Inclusion years ago while enjoying the Wokingham Christmas Fair.
“As newcomers to the area with an intellectually disabled dependent, this wonderful organisation not only introduced us to their own services and groups for our son and family, but also signposted us to a wide range of local and national support.
“Our son loves attending his weekly social group, which offers fun and engaging activities ranging from arts, crafts, and games nights to drumming, line and Morris dancing, brass band sessions, and themed parties.
“These events give him joy, friendship, and vital social interaction, helping to prevent loneliness which is such a challenge for people in his situation.
“They truly are an anchor and a lifeline, and we cannot thank their staff and volunteers enough.”
Columbia Court is a small cul-de-sac, off Carolina Place.
Many people are locals who visit on foot, but anyone driving to see the light show is kindly asked to park nearby and walk into the cul-de-sac.
There is no cost, fee, nor charge for people to enjoy the display, but if visitors feel inspired to donate, all contributions are gratefully received.
NCC Group will match donations up to £500, so if Columbia Court hits this target, funds will be boosted to £1k.
The lightshow can be enjoyed at Columbia Court from Monday, November 24, every day until Friday, December 26.
Lights are on between 5pm and 9pm.
Columbia Court hopes its efforts bring people joy and festive cheer this season.
To donate, visit: localgiving.org and search for columbia court, and for information about the charity, log onto: promiseinclusion.org
