A CLARE family is helping to light up Christmas for children with a dazzling festive display, writes Jessica Quinn.

A spectacular world of colourful lights, themed props and musical sequences is delighting the young and young-at-heart alike in Meelick in the lead-up to this Christmas, as the Hunt family once again present their wondrous works in support of Childline.

Describing himself as a ‘maker’ with a passion for technology, Dave Hunt was first inspired to construct and create his own light show last year when watching videos on YouTube.

He set about bringing his vision to life and left no stone unturned to present a very successful debut production which attracted attention from across counties Clare, Limerick and beyond.

Now, he’s back with a sensational new display which he is proud to say is bigger and better for 2021.

It’s raising vital funds for the Childline listening service, to help make sure every child and young person in Clare and across Ireland has somewhere they can turn on Christmas Day and every day.

At Christmas time every year, Childline hears from children and young people across Ireland who may be lonely, hurt, upset or isolated, or who may simply seek someone to talk to.

“It’s fantastic to be able to host the lights show at Christmas for Childline,” Dave said, referencing the excitement the production brings both to him and to all those who make the journey down the country road to his house to see it.

“It takes the guts of a year to complete, but I’m a big believer in doing what you can. I started building back in January and spent about a dozen hours a week perfecting the technology, the props and the sequencing.”

Revealing some of the treats which await those who visit, he said “we’re delighted to have an 18ft mega-tree, eight mini trees, candy canes, an animated singing Christmas tree and more.

“It really is a feast for the senses and a wonderful Covid-safe activity for all the family to come and see for themselves.

“It’s an ideal opportunity too to help raise funds for Childline, the services provided by ISPCC which help make sure every child and young person can always access support when they need it.”

“It’s a cause that I’ve always had an affinity with and one which is perhaps more important now than ever before with the range of challenges children and young people are facing.

“If our light show can help in some way to share some joy in the lead-up to Christmas, then it will have been well worth it.”

The Hunt family are delighted to have visitors visit the production outside their home in Meelick over the coming weeks and help support Childline, but Dave advises that they do live on a country road so it’s best to exercise caution.

If there’s no place to pull in safely, visitors are asked to drive by and return a few minutes later.

To find out more about this spectacular light show and/or help to make a difference for children by supporting Childline, see https://www.idonate.ie/huntslights.

Childline is always available to any child or young person up to and including age 18. The service can be reached by chatting online at Childline.ie, calling 1800 66 66 66 or sending a text to 50101.