MORE than 100 people were dazzled by the return of a legendary Christmas lights switch-on this weekend - despite the dreary weather.
On Sunday, November 28, dozens of families packed into Byron Road, New Milton, to see a row of festive houses lit up.
The pouring rain didn't stop people from coming out to see the enchanting display that was once again raising money for the NHS.
The crowd counted down from 10 just before 5pm on Sunday before several houses lit up the dark sky with cheers echoing throughout the road.
The centrepiece decoration was an illuminated NHS sign with a rainbow above.
Founder and organiser Ged Hollyoake said: “There are a few changes to the display this year, I can't tell you what because there's so many.
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"NHS is the organisation we are raising money for again this year, the same as the last three years.
"We have raised over £83,000 in 15 years for charities but we won't know how much we have raised this year until January.
"The rising cost of energy isn't going to affect my display, I will just pay it and not look at the bill because I want to carry this on and let the people enjoy it.
"I started my preparations at the end of September, it takes a lot of time.
"My house is the one at the end with the big NHS light, which I made myself.
"We have slightly scaled it down over the years because we used to have thousands of people here and it was so much work, but never the less it will carry on and continue to raise money and help people get into the festive spirit."
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The event, which has welcomed numerous famous faces in years gone by, was held annually from 2004, until Covid restrictions forced cancellation in 2020.
The road also featured on the One Show and Good Morning Britain.
Paul Morris, from New Milton, said: "This is the first time I've been here for the actual countdown and big switch on, but I've been down for a few years now and it never disappoints.
"It's really nice to see they are still carrying this on, my wife works for the NHS so I love that they are once again raising money for it."
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