Trowbridge town councillors are planning to change the location for this year’s Christmas lights switch on because of its increasing popularity and health and safety reasons.
Due to the increasing number of people attending the event and the need to maintain strict health and safety guidelines, the Lantern Parade and Lights Switch-On will now take place in Trowbridge Park only.
Following a review of last year’s switch on event in Fore Street, they are planning to change the location to the upper and lower town park for this year.
This year’s switch-on will take place from 4pm to 9pm on Friday, November 15 in the town park and will be accompanied by a Lantern Parade and a Christmas Market in The Civic Centre.
On Saturday, November 16, the Christmas Market will open from 10am-4pm, and there will be a 2k Santa Dash charity fun run in the town park from 11am to 1pm.
But in 2025, the switch-on date will be changed from mid-November to revert back to the last Friday in the month, which next year falls on Friday, November 28.
A decision on the changes will be made at the full council meeting on Tuesday, September 17.
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The council’s town clerk, Lance Allan, said: “The Christmas lights switch-on and Lantern Parade are a great opportunity to bring our community together, marking the beginning of the festive season.
“Over the years, these events have grown in popularity, drawing larger crowds and enhancing the holiday spirit.
“However, recent adjustments to the schedule have prompted a reassessment of our approach to ensure that these celebrations remain enjoyable and safe for all participants.
“After careful consideration, we have identified that moving the event to the current date had a negative impact on business for The Civic and customers, which was not taken into consideration when the decision was made to bring it forward.
“Having Christmas decorations up in the middle of November does not always suit potential customers who are looking to book the venue for private or corporate events and do not want a Christmas theme in November.
“It is not practical or financially viable to remove the decorations, only to put them back up a week or two later.
“We believe that returning to the last Friday of November will better suit all concerned.”
As in previous years, a prominent Christmas tree will be displayed in Fore Street, and the intention is to add a second tree at the Civic Centre.
The council will also liaise with Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce regarding the change of location for the Christmas Lights Switch-On from Fore Street to the town park.
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