Festive Farewell: Virgil Turner Steps Down After 25 Years Lighting Up Lyme Regis

After 25 years of dedicated service, Virgil Turner has stood down from the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee and from his role as one of the installation team. For more than two decades, the festive season in Lyme Regis has begun with the familiar sight of Virgil, alongside John King, carefully putting up the Christmas lights along Broad Street from early November, preparing the town for the much-anticipated switch-on later in the month.

Their hard work behind the scenes helped create the magical atmosphere that both residents and visitors have come to enjoy each year. Installing the lights is no small task, requiring planning, teamwork and many hours of effort in all kinds of weather.

Since 2019, the Christmas Lights Committee has taken full responsibility for the installation, with members working throughout the year to raise the funds needed to maintain and improve the display. Throughout Virgil remained a key part of the team, bringing his experience and commitment to the project each year.

His final year proved particularly challenging, with difficult weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances creating extra obstacles for the installation team. Despite this, Virgil’s determination and perseverance ensured that the lights were once again ready to shine over Broad Street in time for the festive celebrations.

Rob James, Chairman of the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee, paid tribute to Virgil’s remarkable contribution.

“Virgil has been an incredible part of the Christmas lights team for 25 years,” he said. “His dedication and reliability year after year have helped make Lyme's Christmas lights so special. On behalf of the committee and the community, I’d like to thank him for everything he has done.”

As Virgil steps back, local window cleaner Steve Parsons takes on the role working with the Christmas Lights Committee to ensure the town sparkles each Christmas for residents and visitors alike.