2 Dec 2022 Community

Derek Highe celebrates 20 years of his Christmas Lights show and raising funds for The Kirkwood

Christmas has come early at Robin Royd in Mirfield again this year as Derek Highe’s annual festive lights bid to raise thousands of pounds for The Kirkwood

Derek Highe has once again created a magical festive treat with his amazing Christmas lights show and, in the process, is raising thousands of pounds for The Kirkwood.

Derek is going into his 20th year of putting on his festive show and is still loving the fact he brings a smile to so many people's faces as they view his twinkling lights.

Derek has been raising money for The Kirkwood since 2003 and has raised well over £50,000 over the years.

His beautiful light display, which takes over six weeks for Derek and his family to set up, attracts hundreds of wide-eyed children and Kirklees families every year as part of their festive celebrations.

All Derek asks for in return is a donation to The Kirkwood.

The Robin Royd Avenue display in Mirfield peaks a lot of interest annually and has won Derek multiple awards over the years, including the 2016 Pulse Radio ‘Contribution to Charity’ award and the MyMirfield ‘Best Community Event or Attraction’ award.

On creating this year's display, 64-year-old Derek said: “It was a big decision this year to do the lights with the current climate but knowing how much they mean to everyone and supporting The Kirkwood we had to do them.

It is 20 years since we started doing this which is truly amazing. Where’s the time gone? And for the public to support what we do is very humbling. The lights will be on from 4:30 pm to 9pm every night. Again, I can only thank everyone involved in what we are able to create every year for people to enjoy.

"I really love the fact people come and see the lights and it brings a smile to their faces. I find it very humbling that some people now come every year as part of their Christmas tradition.

"It takes six weeks to put them up and it's hard work, but when children walk past, and they smile when they see my creation it makes it all worthwhile.

"The reason I picked The Kirkwood to raise money for is because unfortunately as you get older you hear about people needing help from them. Everyone I ever speak to that has been touched by The Kirkwood says how amazing all the staff are that work within The Kirkwood family.

"It is such an important cause to so many people across Kirklees. It's such a vital resource, there are thousands of people who fundraise for The Kirkwood and they all do a terrific job. I am just happy I can fundraise for the charity by creating what I do."

The Kirkwood's Community Fundraiser, Joanna Doherty, said of Derek's event: "Derek has been an amazing supporter of ours for many years. His amazing Christmas lights bring joy and happiness to hundreds of people in Mirfield and across North Kirklees.

"Derek has raised an unbelievable amount of money for us over the years and has helped us to support life, which is what we are here to do.”

Check out Derek’s Just giving page HERE.