Christmas lights fundraiser launched to expand town’s festive display

A fundraiser has been launched by Melksham Christmas Lights Group to expand this year’s festive display across the town, aiming to make the event bigger and brighter than ever.

The annual Christmas lights switch-on, which is regarded as one of the biggest and best festive events in the county, will take place on Saturday 6th December. The dazzling lights display draws thousands of visitors to the town centre for one of the biggest annual events in Melksham’s calendar.

The lights are installed by the Melksham Christmas Lights Group in the run-up to the event, starting this month. To help Melksham shine and bring an extra sparkle to town this year, the volunteer-run group has plans to expand the immersive display in the Market Place aimed at younger children and to increase lighting across other areas of the town.

Historically, the group has been well supported by Melksham Town Council, local businesses, sponsors, public donations and fundraising events such as the Melksham fireworks. But with fireworks funds this year redirected to the football and rugby clubs, the group must find the money elsewhere.

Head of Melksham Christmas Lights Group, Paul Weymouth said, “As ever since it all began, nobody is paid in any way and every penny goes towards the lights. Any ‘professionals’ are all giving time and often money, kit and tools free of charge to make Melksham shine.

“We hope that people’s generosity may help us out. We have some pretty amazing plans for this year that will expand on the immersive display in the Market Place aimed at the younger ones and increase lighting across other areas of the town, whilst kicking it all off with an epic switch-on event in December!”

To donate to the Melksham Christmas Lights Group, visit the fundraising page https://shorturl.at/RFKJQ.