Brad lights up Christmas

Brad Dockrey has not only won the annual 4KQ Christmas Lights competition – his stunning display in Warner has fans stretching down to the Gold Coast and in Europe!

Weeks of hard work went into his remarkable illuminations which won 4KQ’s $1000 top prize, the People’s Choice Award, in a public vote.

He beat entries from across Brisbane and beyond, as far north as Caboolture, south in Waterford, Raymond’s Hill to the west and east at Victoria Point.

UK call

One group of visitors, among thousands descending on his Mondial Dr home this year, were so impressed they immediately phoned family on the other side of the world.

“They called the UK and showed them the lights … and introduced me,” says Brad, “it was amazing to have that sort of response.

“We’ve also had people come up from the Gold Coast. It’s been great. I love the Christmas spirit in the community and the smiles on the kids’ faces.

“I was surprised to win the 4KQ Christmas Lights. We had a slow start, then it took off. There were about 450 people here on Saturday and Sunday.”

Lights fantastic

It was the culmination of five weekend’s hard work, from 7.30am-11pm both days and four nights decorating the roof which has 180,000 bulbs in more than 1km of lights.

There are also 24,000 icicles in a separate display, a double garage full of “villages”, a model Hogwarts Express, vintage car, fire engine, nine-carriage train and nativity scene.

This is Brad’s eighth Christmas Lights display, having started in Sydney and has done two in Queensland. He missed 2019 due to a holiday but went “all out this year” he says.

Bigger and better

“We’re always planning ahead,” Brad says, “next year will be bigger and better.

“I like unique things, but try to keep the traditional themes, the North Pole, the nativity. People have said they like that approach.”

Brad’s displays in his garage at Mondial Dr are open until Christmas Eve. The exterior lights will be on until New Year’s Eve.

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