Festoon Lights

Festoon lights, the Edison-bulb style strung between posts or along a fence, went from wedding-marquee-only to standard garden lighting in about five years. The string format dictates the spec: outdoor-rated cable (rubber sheath, IP44 connections), bulb count per string (usually 10-20 bulbs across 5-15m), and replaceable vs sealed-bulb design. Replaceable bulbs are worth the small premium since a single failed bulb on a sealed string takes the whole string down. Cheaper-Online.co.uk, Cherry Lane Garden Centres and Cox and Cox between them cover £8-£480. LED festoon (low heat, long life) has replaced most incandescent festoons; the warm-white 2200-2700K colour temperature is closest to the traditional Edison-bulb glow. Solar festoon lights work in sunny spots; mains festoon lights need an outdoor power point (the right install for a fence-edge garden bar).