Photo of Brian Steele's handmade Christmas display during the day. — Photo of Brian’s handmade display during the day.

As winter draws in and festive lights begin to twinkle across our communities, we want to shine a spotlight on two extraordinary individuals; Robert Carter-Lovell and Brian Steele, who are transforming parts of Plymstock into a magical winter wonderland.

For many families in Plymouth, driving past Robert’s and Brian’s homes in December has become a seasonal highlight. Both men spend hours, braving chilly evenings and early dark nights, stringing up lights, decorating gardens and rooftops and creating cheerful displays that bring delight to children and adults alike. Their efforts are entirely voluntary, driven by goodwill and a love of community spirit.

“It takes about two days to get the display together," says Brian who, this year, is raising money for Derriford’s children’s wards.

“So far, this December, the weather hasn’t been brilliant for people wanting to look at the display, but even if people just enjoy it as they drive past, they can still make a donation on the Just Giving page when they get home.”

When it’s not raining, visitors often stop by with smiles, cameras and kind words. Both displays offer a moment of joy in what can be a difficult time for some. Through these festive lights, they bring people together: neighbours chat, children press their noses against windows, and strangers stop to admire a shared sense of wonder.

Dusk photo of Robert's Christmas lights lit up in his front garden. — A photo of Robert’s Christmas light display. For the past few years, he has kindly raised funds for Plymouth Hospitals Charity through his festive decorations.

As a charity rooted in community spirit and connection, we believe in celebrating the everyday acts of kindness that bring people together. If you’d like to visit the houses, you can see Brian’s handmade Christmas garden at Reddicliff Road PL9 9NF and Robert’s lights are on Radford Park Road PL9 9DN.

A Few Thoughts for Visitors

If you plan to visit Robert’s and Brian’s displays, we please ask you to:

Respect their property and their neighbours’ privacy.
Keep noise and disruption to a minimum. Remember, many people will want to enjoy the lights quietly.
Be kind. A smile, a thank you or a few words of appreciation means a lot. Make a donation if you can. It’s all for a great cause.

Would you like to do some fundraising to support an area at our hospitals? Contact our charity team today; we are here to help!