Renée Zellweger invited to Lyme Regis after Bridget Jones' big knickers' bring festive cheer

Display organisers in Lyme Regis say they’re glad they’ve raised a smile after the festive display was unveiled in the resort.

And the mayor admitted the display had attracted a ‘curious interpretation’.

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Picture: Daryl Turner

The yellow and white triangular-shaped lights were switched on in Broad Street in front of huge crowds after volunteers had spent months raising funds and organising the big event.

But none of them noticed their likeness to a pair of undies until it was pointed out to them by local councillor Daryl Turner, who said they reminded him of knickers worn by Bridget Jones, the fictional character created by writer Helen Fielding who was played in the series of films by Renée Zellweger.

He said: “I took a picture of them when they first when up and instantly thought of Bridget Jones.

“It stopped me straight away, I saw it as soon as I looked up. They just look like three pairs of gold underpants on a washing line.

“The majority of people think it’s funny and it has brought a bit of extra festive cheer, but once you see it, it’s there forever.”

Picture: Daryl Turner

The lights were put up by Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee - a group that do a lot of fundraising for good causes across the area.

“The lights display looks fantastic,” said Mr Turner.

“They do change the display annually, but it might be worth putting them upside down next year or keeping them altogether. It could become an annual joke and it might be a good shout to invite Renée Zellweger herself to Lyme Regis.”

Resident Rosemarie Birnie said: “It looks lovely, but all I can see are rows of knickers on a line.”

In response mayor Brian Larcombe said he could see the funny side.

He said: “We understand this year’s display has attracted a curious interpretation. It’s not obvious and it does take a particularly active imagination to see it, although once pointed out it does look amusing. I guess we should never underestimate what’s in some people’s minds.

“It wasn’t intended but I guess it brings a bit of light relief to these Covid days.”

He said there were about 10,000 people in the town for the switching on of the lights.”

Rob James, chairman of the Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee, said: “It’s brilliant we’ve raised a few smiles with this year’s display, particularly after all the gloom of the past couple of years. We’ve been overwhelmed by all the positive comments and it’s good to see people have a sense of humour.”