We’re Pam and Bob Firth from Bingley, West Yorkshire, and eight years ago we decided to create our own community grotto after realising that many families were finding commercial grottos too expensive or inaccessible.

What began as a small, home-made festive experience has grown into a much-loved local tradition. With the help of a small group of volunteers, our aim has always been simple: to make Christmas magical and affordable for everyone in our community.

This year, we are proud to support The Principle Trust Children’s Charity, which provides free respite holidays for underprivileged, disadvantaged, and disabled children across Yorkshire.

Any donations people choose to make — completely optional — go directly to the charity to help bring joy, rest, and precious family time to those who need it most.

We know our DIY grotto doesn’t match the “phenomenal” displays you see in garden centres these days — but we do what we can, and we just love it. The real magic comes from the children, the families, and the wonderful sense of community that builds around us each December.