MELKSHAM’S Christmas Lights team have promised that the town will still have a spectacular festive display this year, despite the cancellation of this year’s switch-on event.
The annual event, which attracts thousands of visitors to the Market Place, will not go ahead due to ongoing concerns about the spread of Covid-19.
Speaking on behalf of the Christmas Lights team, Paul Weymouth said, “Sadly, this year’s switch on event won’t be happening, for the first time in 30+ years, due to the ongoing issues. It’s pretty clear that even if this kind of event is allowed at that time, it would be irresponsible of us to drag so many people into an area where it’s impossible to be socially distant, at a time of year when we are all full of coughs and colds anyway.
“It’s a pretty easy decision to make given the situation, and whilst myself and many of the crew have been at every switch on for several decades, it’s almost an opportunity to have a rest, and come back fully charged, full of new ideas and enthusiasm in 2021.
“The switch on is widely regarded as the biggest and best event in town, and that’s credit to the few people who have pushed it all forward over many decades, had the ideas and managed to call in so many favours, mates’ rates and good will. And we have always been so lucky to have the support of many local businesses, the town council and other groups.
“It’s nice for our issues to not be caused by council ‘consultants’ for once, but we do wish they had got the job of spreading the virus about as it would then have quite simply never happened!
“We have some amazing new things planned for this year’s display – aiming to make it the best ever, with new lighting planned for the cross-street strings and beyond, and we have had more time than ever to tinker.
“So, essentially, you’ll have some great Christmas lights, but we will switch them on when we’re ready, and they will stay on for the duration as usual. Only thing missing is the switch on itself…probably going to rain anyway!”
