INVERESK residents had the chance to shine in its ‘Lighten Up to Brighten Up Inveresk’ initiative.
Organised by resident Linda Cessford, about 40 homes took part in the competition for the best Christmas lights outside houses and in gardens to raise funds for Freedom from Torture, a charity which supports torture survivors.
She said: “This has been a challenging year for everyone and, with the dark evenings drawing in and the cancellation of our annual carol singing event adding to the gloom, we invited residents to join our movement to bring some festive cheer to the village.”
Usually whoever hosts refreshments after the annual carol singing chooses a charity to support.
This year, local artist Alison Paterson, who painted a map of the village showing the houses involved, had the honour of naming the charity and chose Freedom from Torture.
People are invited to give a donation for a map and enjoy meandering around Inveresk until today (Thursday), 3-9pm. A team of judges from Inveresk Village Society chose the winners, with prizes awarded for the best displays.
Residents have embraced the festive fun, with everything from projected snowflakes on their house to illuminated wreaths decorating the outside of houses.
Linda, the village society’s treasurer and membership secretary, said: “Whether people wished to go for a simple set of lovely white fairy lights around a few windows or pull all the stops out and decorate their entire house and garden with lights and decorations, then this was their time to shine.
“We hoped that it would also encourage families to walk around the village spotting the designs.”
John Manning, village society chairman, said: “How do you choose between a display which could be seen from space and something which is quietly elegant?
“Houses and gardens have been swathed in icicles and snowflakes, Christmas wreathes abound, and all we need now is some snow.”
Share