Giant Snowman of Wine Bottles Spreads Holiday Cheer in Somerset

Quick Smiles:

• A 26-foot snowman crafted from 2,500 empty wine bottles dazzles visitors at Britain’s ‘most festive pub’.
• The Queen Victoria Inn’s dazzling display features 55,000 lights and aims to raise funds for charity.
• Over the past five years, more than £25,000 has been raised for a local hospice through this festive tradition.

Nestled in the quaint surroundings of Somerset, England, the Queen Victoria Inn has become a beacon of festive cheer, drawing visitors from near and far.

This year, the highlight of their spectacular display is a towering 26-foot snowman, ingeniously constructed from 2,500 empty wine bottles.

The pub, which started its enchanting Christmas lights tradition a decade ago, has transformed its exterior with a dazzling array of decorations.

A massive wreath adorns the building, while a two-story structure glows with 55,000 twinkling white lights, stretching over an impressive 9 miles.

Mark Walton, the pub’s owner, cheerfully shared,
“We are a little pub in the middle of nowhere and it puts us on the map. It brings so many visitors—it is absolutely mental.”

This festive extravaganza doesn’t just light up the night; it also illuminates the spirit of giving.

Over the years, the display has raised more than £25,000 for the Children’s Hospice South West.

Mark hopes to continue this tradition of generosity, aiming to raise over £5,000 this year.

“It is a good time to remember that some people are not having such a great Christmas and the hospice does so much to support the families and the children,” he reflected.

The thousands of lights, which are energy-efficient, flicker to life daily from 4pm to 9pm, creating a magical atmosphere until New Year’s Eve.

“All the bulbs are energy efficient—even the spotlights, so it does not go up as much as people think, luckily,” Mark explained, emphasizing the thoughtful planning behind the display.

In addition to the visual spectacle, the pub also hosted an annual Santa run on December 15 to bolster their fundraising efforts.

Visitors can contribute to the cause by dropping donations into boxes at the pub or through their JustGiving page online.

This festive initiative is a delightful reminder of the power of community spirit and creativity, sparking joy and goodwill throughout the holiday season.

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