New Christmas lights revealed for Colchester
A switch-on video is being prepared following the cancellation of the main event.
Last updated 23rd Nov 2020
The new present-themed Christmas display will be turned on after Wednesday, and the Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) will premier a virtual switch-on video at the start of December.
A variety of the lights will be located across Head Street, High Street, on lampposts in St John's Street and in trees in Crouch Street.
Councillor Martin Goss, Colchester Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Waste, Environment and Transportation, said: "This year has been difficult for everyone, with so many changes already and a very different Christmas on the cards, it’s more important than ever to show that Colchester’s festive spirit is alive and well.
"We will still be turning the Colchester lights on, albeit with no ceremony because encouraging a large crowd into the town centre during a pandemic would be inappropriate, and hope families will visit the town centre to see them in the run-up to Christmas when it is safe to do so adhering to social distancing and government guidelines."
According to the authority this year will see more lights than ever before across Colchester, as part of investments in additional installations.
Sam Good, Our Colchester BID Manager, said: "During the never ending doom and gloom, our town centre businesses are ready and waiting to give you that warm nostalgic feeling of Christmas. With the cancellation of the annual Light Switch-on event that we normally organise, we have invested in a wealth of fun, socially distanced activities for residents to bring their families to.
"The new Christmas lights are a very exciting addition to our wonderful town centre this winter and we look forward to welcoming you all in."
The Christmas lights video will be displayed on Colchester Borough Council's social media pages early next month.