The business organisation in charge of funding Harrogate’s Christmas lights have responded to calls for a return to a switch on event in the town.
Organisers of Harrogate's Christmas lights respond to calls for switch on event The business organisation in charge of funding Harrogate’s Christmas lights has responded to calls for a return to a switch on event in the town. Harrogate’s Christmas lights were officially switched on yesterday (Thursday) in a ‘soft switch on.' It has led to some Harrogate residents calling for a switch on event in the town like with previous years. This was halted due to covid. But Harrogate BID, which funds the lights, has said that an official switch on event could cost between £15-£20,000. A spokesperson said:
“Whilst we totally understand and respect people enjoy Christmas lights switch ons, here is part of the reason why we currently do not deliver one. “As a BID we purely represent businesses so everything we do/financially commit to has to offer some kind of return to our members. “On delivering surveys to our members over previous years there was clear evidence and feedback to show that when committing to a switch on (these can cost around £15-£20,000 minimum) people generally came into town, gathered around the switch on stage, maybe bought a hot drink and went home. “Other events or projects that we deliver at Christmas or at other times of the year offer much better footfall, spend, return etc to the businesses we represent."The spokesperson added:
“There is also the decision around budgets in general. To deliver a switch on we would probably have to fund around a third less Christmas lights around the town centre. A tough choice right!? “Whilst we don’t expect people to agree with us we do hope that at least gives you an idea on our decision this year.”Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Stars of Ripon community celebrated at annual awards event
Harrogate Neighbours golf day raises £1,700
Harrogate district bookshop included in ultimate book-lovers travel guide
'I will hold government's feet to the fire on funding', says Harrogate MP
CCTV appeal after watch stolen from Harrogate gym
Father Christmas set to visit children's ward at Harrogate Hospital
'Cancer does not end even when you are in remission', says Harrogate woman
Woman sentenced for trying to avoid speeding fine near Harrogate
Black History Month event held in Starbeck
Harrogate MP hits out at bus fare cap hike
Leeds Bradford Airport celebrates first easyJet flight to Paris
Harrogate law firm included in two of UK's leading legal guides
Harrogate vet offers advice for dogs scared of fireworks
Ex-England footballer to host event in Harrogate
Harrogate Town to sell Wrexham tickets at Stray Bonfire
Artisan market returns to Knaresborough Castle for final time this year
New Christmas song about Harrogate shooting for number one
Popular après ski dining event returns to Ripon
Ripon opticians hosts Halloween fun to make eye tests less scary
Harrogate Town offer discounted family tickets for Wrexham clash
