ICONIC Christmas lights are set to return to a UK seaside town – but can you work out why they got residents talking last year?
The town of Tiverton in Devon, Cornwall, recently unveiled the festive decorations, with the unique sight now fully embraced by the council.
The big switch-on happened at 6pm on Saturday, November 22, lighting up Fore Street, Phoenix Lane and the pannier market, which were buzzing all day with music, street acts and festive fun.
Crowds packed into the town centre on Saturday night to see the unique illuminations switched back on – but did you figure out why they are so cheeky?
Locals laughed, cheered and snapped selfies under the now-legendary “pants lights” which have become something of a festive sensation.
The eyebrow-raising lights first went viral back in 2015, when a row of Christmas puddings was mistaken for Santa’s undies flapping in the winter breeze.
The gaffe made national headlines and turned the quiet Devon town into an unlikely attraction for tourists.
Neal Davey was among a host of residents who were thrilled to see them back.
He said: “They were very popular when we had them a few years ago and we decided that it was time for them to make a reappearance.
“I’m really pleased that they’re back – they’re a great sight.”
Neal said that while they were originally intended to be puddings, “they really put Tiverton on the map” as the ‘pants’ image went viral.
Local performers and community groups kept the energy high as Tiverton proudly welcomed back its most talked-about Christmas tradition.
This year’s celebrations kicked off early with the Magic & Sparkle Christmas Festival at the pannier market from 2pm.
Locals enjoyed a festive day complete with live music, street food, gift stalls and roving magicians.
Party favourites Joey the Lips headlined, promising a full-throttle show stuffed with funk, soul, Motown, disco and pop bangers to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
And of course, no festive fiesta is complete without the big man himself.
Tiverton Rotary Club reopened Santa’s Grotto, with Father Christmas making his grand entrance at the switch-on and confirming he’ll be back every Saturday leading up to the big day from 11am to 3pm.
Musician Gareth Clarke added: “We love coming up here… we normally get a good crowd and a good audience. It’s good.”
Chris Ostler, who attended the switch-on, said it was “always great to see the Christmas spirit is already here, even when we haven’t hit December”.
After last year’s switch-on was cancelled due to poor weather, organisers said they were delighted the event could go ahead this year and praised the months of work behind the scenes by the town council and volunteers.
And it’s not just Tiverton which has embraced the festive season.
Many gardens and unique spaces across the country transform into glimmering wonderlands – the perfect places to get in the festive spirit.
The Sun has got you covered after we named 12 of the most magical light shows that are set to illuminate England with holiday cheer this winter.
The list includes Longleat which is usually famous for its drive-through safari park, but come Christmastime it is its light show that really shines.
And year on year, the light trail at Kew Gardens is firm favourite of the seasonal calendar.
Just outside Manchester lie the stunning grounds of Dunham Massey, a Grade I listed building and National Trust property.
