Bamburgh lights switch-on viewed from 12,000 miles away thanks to new village webcam

A Bamburgh resident has revealed her delight at being able to watch the village’s Christmas lights switch on from 12,000 miles away.
Linda Kirby and her daughter, Tara.Linda Kirby and her daughter, Tara.
Linda Kirby and her daughter, Tara.

Linda Kirby misses the event every year because she travels to New Zealand to visit her daughter, Tara, and her two grandchildren.

However, a new webcam installed by the village’s Christmas lights committee and put on the village website enabled Linda – and hundreds of other people around the world – to tune in.

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The webcam was viewed over 700 times in the first five days after it was switched on.

Switch-on of Bamburgh Christmas Lights 2019. Photograph by Jane ColtmanSwitch-on of Bamburgh Christmas Lights 2019. Photograph by Jane Coltman
Switch-on of Bamburgh Christmas Lights 2019. Photograph by Jane Coltman

“I think it’s a super idea,” said Linda. “It truly was fascinating to be able to share the special moment when the lights were switched on from 12,000 miles away.”

Tara moved to New Zealand in March 2009 for her job in what was initially expected to be a two year contract. However, she met her husband-to-be in the first few months, married in February 2010 and has stayed there.

She then had two daughters who are now four and six years old, Linda’s only grandchildren.

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“I retired and moved to Bamburgh in 2012, and I have visited my daughter every year since and stay for around three months, usually October to January, thus missing the Bamburgh Christmas lights,” explained Linda.

“I get to see them on my return in January, but only for a couple of weeks.

“When I heard there was going to be a webcam, I was delighted.

“I turned on the link just after 6pm on Saturday which was my 7am, Sunday morning. I was able to see people wandering around and I could clearly see Gill and Andy Bardgett walking down past the Middle Pub, at 6.15pm. It was so exciting!

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“What a wonderful experience to actually see the lights come on. I was able to show my granddaughters, who actually visited Bamburgh for the first time in June, and they were thrilled, asking if the ‘bambies’ were real.”

Since then she has checked in again to see Bamburgh during the daytime.

Bamburgh’s lights display has become a popular attraction since the group was formed 12 years ago, especially combined with the backdrop of the illuminated castle.

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