Melksham’s Mr Christmas keeps festive tradition going through heatwave

A Melksham man who says he has celebrated Christmas every day for 33 years has kept his festive tradition going through this summer’s heatwave.

Andy Park, known as Mr Christmas, says he has maintained his daily Christmas routine since 14th July 1993, but the recent hot weather had made his celebrations more challenging.

“It’s been crazy, up to 36C here, I believe. It’s been so hot, it’s been unbearable,” he said.

He said he had adapted by cooling his feet in a paddling pool and cooking his Christmas turkey on a barbecue.

He says he is now enjoying the launch of a dedicated festive television channel.

The Great Christmas channel has now launched on Freeview channel 52, showing festive films daily until January.

“Christmas movies right up until January. Can you imagine? I can watch Christmas movies every single day,” he said.

He says his daily routine begins at 8am with four or five mince pies and a glass of sherry before starting his day job working on washing machines and cookers for two or three hours.

He then returns home to prepare a Christmas dinner before watching the monarch’s speech at 3pm.

“Every morning I wake up, I’m so excited, because I know I’ve got a couple of presents to open under the tree,” he said.

Andy estimates his 33-year tradition has cost around £1m. He says he spends approximately £12,450 each year, including on 7,500 crackers and 7,500 party poppers.

He estimates that since 1993 he has consumed 1.25 million Brussels sprouts, 2.25 million mince pies, 14,000 turkeys and 14,000 bottles of Champagne.

Andy’s unusual Christmas routine has attracted media attention over the years, leading to television appearances and visits from celebrities including Barbara Windsor, Joey Essex and Slade.

“But every day is Christmas Day to me – and I’ve got to do what I do, no matter what, no matter if it’s freezing cold or boiling up, I still do it,” he said.