Despite Covid-19 meaning the Wixams Winter Wonderland couldn’t go ahead as normal this year, the community spirit was still alive last weekend, with a virtual Christmas light switch on taking place instead.
Thanks to a £1,000 donation to local housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes, the village conducted the virtual light switch on last weekend through Facebook.
This is now the third year in a row the developer, which is building nearby at Willow Grove in Wixams, has supported the annual Christmas event.
Nathan Sutters, a member of the Wixams Community Committee, said: “Although this year has been different in so many ways, we did not want this to stop our annual Christmas light switch on that we do every year.
“The event is normally funded by the fair itself, so it was certainly going to be a challenge to make it happen this year. But with the kind donation from Barratt and David Wilson Homes, we were still able to put on a show.”
The donation went towards decorating large trees in the area with Christmas lights, as well as lighting up the village hall.
Nathan continued: “The local schools helped with event too. They designed stars which we laminated and used to decorate trees and the village hall. The Parish Council were also very kind to us, donating a large Christmas tree.
“The Wixams community is really special. As the area is made up of new build homes, everyone wants to get to know each other. We’re really pleased we managed to still put on an exciting event during these difficult times, and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without Barratt and David Wilson Homes.”
Andrew Swindell, Regional Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Northampton, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support the Wixams Christmas light switch on this year. We know this is something our residents at Willow Grove love, so we’re happy the event was a success.
“We’re extremely proud of the community at Willow Grove and are excited to continue watching it grow as new residents settle in.”
Situated within idyllic Bedfordshire countryside but within a short drive of the Interchange Shopping Centre, Willow Grove offers its residents the best of both worlds. There is a wide range of fantastic facilities on the development, including a nursery, two primary schools, one secondary school, a local convenience store as well as community facilities.
Willow Grove is perfect for working professionals, offering nearby road links to the A6 and A421 providing access to Luton and Milton Keynes and surrounding towns and cities. Residents are also able to catch trains from Bedford and arrive in London in just 38 minutes making commutes to and from work simpler.
To find out more about Barratt Homes or David Wilson Homes at Willow Grove, please visit https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/bedfordshire/h751401-willow-grove/ or https://www.dwh.co.uk/new-homes/bedfordshire/h751501-willow-grove/. Alternatively, call the Barratt Homes sales team on 033 3355 8481, or the David Wilson Homes sales team on 033 3355 8482.