Saltdean: Chorley Avenue Christmas lights switch on for final time

Paul and Jackie Clifford have been dazzling Saltdean for decades with their light display and raising money for charity in the process.

Now, the couple have decided to call it a day as they get older saying they want to “go out with a bit of a bang”.

The full Christmas light display (Image: The Argus)

Speaking at the final switch on on Sunday night, Paul, 62, said: “We have raised loads of money for charity but we’re going to pack it in after this year.

“We’re all getting old and it takes a lot of work, it takes me two weeks to put it all up. It can’t go on forever.

“Lots of people from all across Saltdean come, especially during Covid when people couldn’t get out properly.

“We enjoy doing it and love doing it and it makes people smile. We’re looking forward to the last one.”

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Paul and Jackie first started raising money with their giant display on Chorley Avenue over a decade ago and have been picking charities close to their heart to benefit each year.

This year the couple have chosen Whoopsadaisy, a charity supporting children with cerebral palsy, and CUREusher, who support patients with Usher Syndrome.

The display has also previously raised money for the Martlets Hospice charity over the years of the display.

Jackie, 56, added: “Friends always message us asking when the lights are going on.

Dozens attended the switch on on Sunday (Image: The Argus)

“It’s a lovely community thing to do. The charity’s all have a personal meaning for us.

“We want to go out with a bit of a bang – but hopefully not literally!”

Dozens of people turned out to support the switch on on Sunday night including songs from Rock Choir in Brighton, mulled wine and mince pies.

This year’s display includes reindeers on the roof, polar bears on the windowsill and Santa coming down the chimney among dozens of other lights.

The couple added that the display raised over £600 on the first night with the figure expected to rise heading towards Christmas.

Paul said that the lights take more than a fortnight to install.