Fox’s Biscuits has given Grey Street in Stalybridge a Christmas makeover to celebrate the return of its seasonal biscuit box. Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood joined residents to switch on the display.
The brand transformed the Manchester cul-de-sac in just 24 hours. Grey Street was fitted with more than 20,000 twinkling Christmas lights, along with biscuit-inspired displays and festive installations. Fox’s says the aim was to bring a dose of Christmas magic to the local community.
A celebrity switch-on
Craig Revel Horwood switched on the lights to start the Christmas celebrations on the street. He said: “Darling, it’s clear Christmas doesn’t officially begin until the lights go on, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with a street full of sparkle.”
He added: “I’ve seen some fabulous Christmas displays in my time, but seeing Grey Street transformed with thousands of twinkling lights really is something special.”
Revel Horwood also said: “Seeing the whole community come together to celebrate has been wonderful. Now that’s how you do Christmas!”
What the research found
The makeover follows research commissioned by Fox’s Biscuits, which surveyed 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas. It found that 83 per cent believe Christmas simply wouldn’t feel the same without festive lights and decorations.
Putting up decorations (35 per cent) and the Christmas tree (35 per cent) were among the biggest signs that the festive season has arrived. Seeing the local high street Christmas lights switched on (19 per cent) also featured. These came ahead of seeing the first festive advert on TV (17 per cent) and hearing a Christmas song for the first time (16 per cent).
More than a third (37 per cent) would love to see more Christmas lights in their local community. A further 34 per cent want more festive markets, and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) would welcome more carol singing. The research also found 51 per cent have attended a Christmas light switch-on in their local area.
Opinion on timing is divided. While 22 per cent find November a perfectly acceptable time to feel festive, 35 per cent said the first week of December is when they start feeling Christmassy. Meanwhile, 48 per cent believe Christmas starts too soon, and 28 per cent insist it shouldn’t be mentioned before 1st December.
Biscuits on the festive menu
Seasonal food plays its part too. According to the survey, 10 per cent believe the festive season doesn’t truly begin until they start indulging in seasonal treats. A third of respondents (33 per cent) buy Christmas biscuits, and 39 per cent make sure to share a biscuit or chocolate selection box. It is not the first time biscuit makers have appeared in these pages, following the story of colleagues at the Jammie Dodgers factory who met at work.
Fox’s Biscuits will also be giving one homeowner a festive makeover to transform their property. Scott Perry, a spokesperson for Fox’s Biscuits, said: “Our research shows just how much we love the traditions, community connections, treats and special moments that make this time of year so magical.”
He added: “That’s why we wanted to go one step further this year and give Grey Street a festive glow-up to remember.”
Details and image via Fox’s Biscuits.