CANBERRA dad David Richards has officially broken the Guiness World Records title for the world’s largest LED light image display.

The announcement has been made by this evening at an exclusive VIP preview screening to thank the Canberra business community.

With more than a million lights on show, David’s Christmas light display has transformed Canberra’s CBD into a magical festival of lights in a bid to raise money for SIDS and Kids ACT.

“SIDS and Kids ACT is an organisation close to our hearts and we’ve done this because we want to help the organisation that helped us after our tragic loss in 2002,” says David.

Over the years, the Canberra barrister and his wife Janean, a senior government lawyer, have raised more than $200,000 for the local charity.

“Christmas lights really get people into the festive spirit. We decorated our home for years and people came from everywhere to see our lights. This year who knows how many people will come along. We hope to provide ongoing support for the counselling and bereavement services provided by SIDS and Kids ACT,” he says.

David has managed to rally the support of the Canberra community and says the Christmas lights display would not have been possible without the enormous contribution from local businesses.

“We have architects, civil engineers, tradies, construction companies, sound engineers… all volunteering and donating goods and services as well as wonderful sponsors including Canberra CBD Limited, Luton Properties, BLOC and the Canberra Centre,” he says.

SIDS and Kids ACT CEO Nathalie Maconachie, has been working alongside David on the project which started construction back in October.

“We’ve been working on the concept since February so it’s just been amazing watching it all come together. David’s energy, drive and passion astound me and our organisation is truly grateful. What an incredible way to bring the community together at Christmas… what a gift!” says Nathalie.

Last year the SIDS and Kids ACT Christmas Lights display made headlines around the world when David Richards decorated his family home with more than 500,000 Christmas lights and reclaimed a world record he first held in 2011. The display attracted more than 75,000 visitors and raised close to $140,000 for SIDS and Kids ACT.

The SIDS and Kids ACT GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Christmas Lights in the City kicks off tomorrow night with the official switch on ceremony and certificate presentation with Canberra Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS. The display continues through to New Year’s Eve. Entry is by gold coin donation. For more information call (02) 6287 4255 or visit www.inthecitycanberra.com.au

[Photos by John Griffiths]

And here’s a short rush of video from inside Tunnel 1: