Leighton-Linslade Christmas Lights Switch On cancelled but festive fun still planned for families

At a recent meeting of the town council on July 27, the recommendation to axe the annual event - which usually boasts fireworks and local celebrities - was approved due to the ongoing pandemic and reasons of public safety.

However, despite the disappointing news, the town council, in partnership with LB First, is committed to making the Christmas Festival fun and memorable, with talks of motifs, markets and entertainment where possible.

And, of course, even though the grand switch-on can’t go ahead, there will still be plenty of Christmas lights twinkling in town.

Mayor, Cllr David Bowater, told the LBO: “Christmas is Christmas. We all love it and let’s go out and enjoy it as best we can. It will be different but it’s got to be safe.

“Christmas will be the best it can possibly be within the realms of safety.”

Indeed, the agenda document for the meeting stated: “Delivering the Friday Christmas Lights switch-on event is no longer a realistic option, as it has inherent dangers of large-scale gathering which, even with some changes in guidelines, is unlikely to be permitted to the extent we are used to hosting.

“Delivering a Christmas gift market on the Sunday, however, remains a possibility and will bring added interest to the town’s shopping offer.”

The LBO also spoke to Gennaro Borrelli, chairman of LB First, who said: “We will be discussing with the town council in the coming weeks what we can still do to make Christmas special here in the town. It’s about being inventive and working out what’s practical and what’s feasible.

“Hopefully, we can still make it fun for families and create a lovely atmosphere in a traditional market setting.

“We need to support the town’s businesses more than ever before.”

For example, some ideas that Mr Borrelli feels could be considered include different festive events during the weekends or weekdays running up to Christmas, such as extra markets on Sundays or Thursdays, and entertainment. He added: “This all depends on government guidance.”

Keeping positive, shopkeepers are also hoping to celebrate ‘Small Business Saturday’ on December 5, while officers are liaising with the town council’s Christmas lighting contractor to explore installing one or two 3D standing motifs that will create ‘selfie’ photograph opportunities.