Christmas comes to Bridlington as annual competitions launch
The Mayor of Bridlington says they are trying to keep Christmas alive in the town during the uncertain times around coronavirus as it launches two annual competitions.
"We're trying to keep Christmas alive in Bridlington during these uncertain times."
That's from the town's Mayor, Liam Dealtry, who has launched his annual Christmas card competition for those aged between 5 and 16.
He said:
"Last year I got 625 designs back. I mean, if we could beat that this year that would be fantastic.
"But for me to judge the Christmas cards, I've got to go through 625 different pictures by people aged between 5 and 16 of different abilities.
"It's a tough one for me. I think it's one of the hardest things as the Mayor of Bridlington that you've got to judge that and hopefully you make the right decision.
"Obviously you're not going to please all the people all the time but you know, it's a hard one but it's well worth it and it is fun for them.
"The winning picture will go on to my Christmas card and it goes to all the Civic Leaders in the East Riding, the Queen, Boris Johnson, and as per usual, I'll be sending one to the President of the United States of America."
He says the competitions will give people something to focus on during the uncertain times with coronavirus:
"The youngsters are 5 to 16 years old, they don't know what's going on and they are a bit nervous.
"I think if we can get schools involved and if we can get mums and dads, grandmas and grandads, aunties and uncles all helping, then it just helps everybody take their mind off it, even if it's just for a few minutes just to get a bit of normality and hopefully get everybody into the festive spirit."
Bridlington Town Council have also launched the annual Christmas retail window display competition too.
They are asking businesses to dress up their shop in a festive way.
"If we can get more shop windows involved, then that's just going to brighten up the centre of town.
"We can't have a Christmas event like we usually do this year, so if we can get every Bridlington retailer involved, you know dress your windows up the best you can to get into the festive spirit.
"We're trying to keep Christmas alive in Bridlington during these uncertain times."