As domestic, commercial and civic Christmas lights begin to be switched on around the Borough, some other areas are leading the way in efforts to make their Christmas displays more environmentally friendly.
Manchester City Council have swapped traditional bulbs for over a million low energy LED bulbs which consume less energy. They are also using a real Christmas tree complete with root ball which can be planted in one of the city's parks afterwards ready for re-use next year.
The South Wales seaside resort of Porthcawl have gone further by installing solar-powered light decorations this year. Read about it here.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic where they often do things bigger, the city of Mason in Ohio will again be treated to the Christmas light and sound extravaganza of engineer, Carson Williams.
Warning: Contains flashing lights.
See this and more related videos here
Williams is noted for decorating his home and garden with homemade displays which synchronise christmas lights with music over FM radio channel (to keep the noise down for his neighbours).
One of his displays was used in a beer commercial and his displays have become an internet phenomenon with many videos featured on YouTube.
The music is from rock opera group Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
For more information and links read the Wikipedia entry for Carson Williams here. Also see the feature about the lights at local media outlet Pulse Journal.
More footage of the display and Carson Williams interview on MSNBC here
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