A town’s Christmas decorations have become the butt of a joke after being mocked for looking like giant underwear.
The quirky lights strung up in the main shopping centre of Tiverton, Devon, are making a comeback after first appearing in 2015.
The decorations are supposed to showcase Christmas puddings, but instead went viral after being compared to underwear – prompting widespread ridicule.
They have previously been described as looking like massive knickers hanging on a washing line.
But locals are taking it in their stride and now embrace the attention, and they thought it was time for them to reappear in town again.
Tiverton Mayor, Neal Davey, said ‘The pants are back. It’s absolutely fantastic for Tiverton.
‘They were very popular when we had them a few years ago, and we decided that it was time for them to make a reappearance.
‘People can come along and enjoy them as they are a great sight.
‘They were intended to be Christmas puddings, I believe but rather gave the appearance of pants.
‘At the time there was an awful lot of publicity about it. It really put Tiverton on the map and it was great publicity for the town so I’m happy they are back.’
Locals who watched the lights being switched on last Saturday said the teasing was taken in good spirits and enjoyed the comeback of the underwear-looking Christmas lights.
One local said: ‘It’s just absolutely pants.’
Another added: ‘Well, at least we are famous for something and gets everyone’s attention. Well done. I love the pants.’
When the lights first appeared in 2015, it cost around £15,000 to get the town illuminated and Tiverton Town Council’s Christmas lights committee fundraising throughout the year.
Some took to Facebook questioning if they were meant to be undergarments or not.
Janet Johns wrote: ‘Ok, if they are not pants…. what are they?’ while Lin Hawkins wrote: ‘Yes they look like pants’.
Jayne Hodges posted: ‘but at least they are festive green ones!!!!!!!’
Lisa Bateman wrote: ‘They have the Alan Partridge effect lol’.
