Inkberrow Christmas tree will still be lit despite cost of living crisis

As millions look to cut back on heating due to rising energy costs, Avril and Christopher Rowlands are planning to continue their long-running Christmas tradition.

Scores of people travel to Inkberrow to see the tree which is lit up every year to raise money for charity.

The elderly couple is responsible for lighting up Inkberrow, the UK's darkest village, every year with a 50ft Christmas tree which they first planted in 1978.

READ MORE: Couple use cherry picker to decorate Christmas tree after it grew to 50ft high

They first planted the tree in 1978. Credit: SWNS (Image: They first planted the tree in 1978. Credit: SWNS)

They purchased the £6 fir tree from a garden centre shortly after moving into their home and 43 years later the tree now towers over their property.

Each year thousands of people turn up to see the tree decorated with more than 3,000 festive lights and the couple say they won't be put off by soaring electricity bills.

Avril, 76, said: "After two years of somewhat scaled-back versions due to Covid we're planning to get the tree back to its full glory this year.

"A couple of years back our electricity provider actually gave us £100 off our bill so we're going to request the same this year as you never know unless you ask.

"It just wouldn't be Christmas without it, it has been a tradition for that long now that we wouldn't even dream of cancelling it."

Avril and Christopher Rowland. Credit: SWNS (Image: Avril and Christopher Rowland. Credit: SWNS)

Avril added: "During Covid it served as a beacon of light and I still think people need that now. The only thing we won't be doing is serving coffee from our garage but we've got a mobile van doing that for us.

"There will also be a vintage children's funfair there and we still hope to raise lots of money for charity. It's a good cause, so we will carry on and not be put off by the energy prices.

"Thousands of people turn out for it, so we don't want to let anybody down."

The Christmas tree outside the Rowland's house. Credit: SWNS (Image: The Christmas tree outside the Rowland's house. Credit: SWNS)

Meanwhile, the cost of living crisis has had an effect on a number of Worcestershire businesses.

Aquatics and Reptiles in Swanpool Walk is closing at the end of September after 14 years in St John’s, Worcester.

Hamptons chip shop, In Peewit Road, Evesham has made cuts to its menu with southern fried chicken, potato wedges and pies all being dropped.