Bay of Plenty Christmas Lights Trail winners prep for 2018 entry

Carol and Kevin Torr love lighting up their annual Christmas display in Welcome Bay as part of the Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Lights Trails. Photo / Andrew Warner

Kevin Torr knows a thing or two about installing a Christmas light display.

The Welcome Bay builder and his wife Carol were the winners of last year's Bay of Plenty Times Christmas Lights Trail for their efforts at their Kaitemako Rd home, which has become a firm favourite. Registrations for this year's competition opened yesterday.Kevin Torr estimated he had about 40,000 lights in his annual display, which could take a couple of weeks to set up.

"I can actually do the whole lot in a week if I spend the whole time working at it," he said.

Torr usually likes to start in mid-November to have the lights ready for December 1.

"I think we probably get thousands of people coming through here. There are regulars sometimes, who might come several times during the season," he said.

"Even during the year, we run into people and the first thing they ask us is 'are you going to put your lights up this year?'."

The answer is "absolutely".

"I enjoy doing it and all the lights give enjoyment to everyone else. I guess we go back to how we loved Christmas lights before the trail and sort of added a few more."

The Torrs' display includes a grotto, complete with a sign inviting people to venture down their driveway to enjoy the complete display. On most nights, the Torrs are there to meet and greet visitors.

NZME brand engagement manager Kat Hicks said the Christmas Light Trail was always popular in the community.

"This year is looking to not disappoint with a lot of new properties registering already," she said.

Hicks said the trail helped to spread Christmas joy and spirit in the community and there were plenty of prizes to be had.

How to register for the Christmas Light Trail 2018

Register for the trail by visiting the NZME office on Cameron Rd or by visiting the Bay of Plenty Times website.

Entries close November 25.

Once all the entries are collated, the full lights trail will be published in the Bay of Plenty Times and online at bayofplentytimes.co.nz.