Thomastown Christmas lights 2020: The Boulevard display cancelled
It’s a much-loved festive tradition for thousands of Melbourne families, but organisers have made the “devastating” decision to cancel a spectacular Christmas display in Melbourne’s north.
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COVID-19 has killed another much-loved Melbourne tradition, with a Thomastown couple cancelling their popular Christmas lights display.
Thousands of visitors normally flock to check out Antonio and Matilde Filippini’s spectacular festive display at their home on The Boulevard but the couple has made the “devastating” decision to cancel this year’s event due to health fears surrounding COVID-19.
In a Facebook post on Monday the couple said: “Some of you may have noticed while driving past our home that no Christmas lights have started to go up, as normally at this time of year we are putting together our display.
“We have thought long and hard about this decision and for the safety of all our families and yours and all the beautiful children it’s with great sadness the Filippini family have decided to not put up the Christmas lights this year due to COVID-19.
“We understand everyone has their own opinion regarding this situation. Please understand these lights don’t go up over night and takes months in the making. We would be more devastated to get the children’s hopes up and not be able to put them on for any reason as we don’t know what’s happening.”
The post has attracted more than 100 comments, with most people understanding of the couple’s decision.
“We’ll miss this tradition, but absolutely understand. Enjoy the unexpected break, and thank you for the many years of enjoyment you’ve given to our family and many others. See you next year,” Denise Wiltshire wrote.
“Merry Christmas to you and your family, bloody COVID has ruined many things for many people. Thank you for the years of pleasure you have brought to so many, hopefully by Christmas 2021 we will have the joy of seeing your display once again,” Kay Lawler wrote.
Speaking to Leader, Mr Filippini said the couple was disappointed not to go ahead with the tradition, but feared social distancing would be impossible at the event, which attracts about 60,000 visitors over the festive period.
“It is packed, people line up for two blocks (to view the lights),” he said.
Mr Filippini said it was a “big job” putting up all the Christmas lights – more than 120,000 in total – and he didn’t want to go to all the effort only to be told by authorities it wasn’t safe for the display to go ahead.
He said the couple began decorating their home with lights at Christmas about 28 years ago – and the display had grown bigger and bigger over the years.
The annual display also acts as a fundraiser for The Heart Foundation.
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