Thursday, 28 March 2024
Canberra Christmas lights set world record

Canberra Christmas lights set world record

A Christmas lights display in the Australian capital, Canberra, has set a new world record.

Almost 1.2 million LED lights on 120km (75 miles) of cables have been strung in the shape of three interconnected giant, wrapped Christmas presents.

Guinness World Records confirmed it was the largest-ever LED image display.

The display in the Petrie Plaza mall was the result of months of planning by Canberra lawyer David Richards and a team of volunteers.

It beat the previous record set in Shurtan in southern Uzbekistan by 181,540 lights.

Last year, Mr Richards also set a world record for the most Christmas lights on a residential property by covering his home with 502,165 bulbs.

"Christmas lights really get people into the festive spirit," said Mr Richards, who lives in the Canberra suburb of Forrest.

"We decorated our home for years and people came from everywhere to see our lights. This year, who knows how many people will come along?"

Architects, civil engineers, construction companies and sound engineers were all involved in the project.

The display is raising money for a local charity that supports families who have suffered a sudden infant death.

(BBC News)