Alex Cann

8:00am - Noon

Email the studio

Dario G

Sunchyme

Listen Live

Organisers of Harrogate's Christmas lights respond to calls for switch on event

Friday, 17 November 2023 02:00

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.

More from Local News

Harrogate Town Unveil New Home Kit for 2026/26 Season

After an incredible in-store reveal with Jack Evans this morning, the 2026/27 home shirt is now available.
Harrogate resident latest to scoop free tank of fuel

Free Fuel Friday returned this morning, giving Your Harrogate listeners the chance to bag a full tank of free fuel.
20-person brawl breaks out at Ripon pub

Police are appealing for witnesses following an assault and "large-scale disorder" at the One Eyed Rat pub in Ripon earlier this month.
RAF flypast planned over Harrogate district next weekend

A number of wartime aircrafts are set to fly over the Harrogate district next weekend.
Three hotels in Harrogate district named among best in UK by Telegraph

Three hotels in the Harrogate district have been named among the best places to stay in the UK by The Telegraph.
Petition calls for action to protect Knaresborough Castle

A petition calling for urgent action to protect and restore Knaresborough Castle is set to be debated by councillors after attracting more than 500 signatures.
Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show returns this weekend

Hundreds of vehicles and a range of family attractions are set to take over Harrogate Rugby Club this weekend as the Harrogate Car Enthusiasts Motor Show and Family Fun Day returns.
Solar panels installed at Ripon Leisure Centre to help cut energy bills

Nearly 1,000 solar panels have been installed at three North Yorkshire leisure facilities in a move that is set to reduce energy costs by hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Police make arrest after fight on Harrogate street

Police are appealing for information about a violent incident that occurred at Fairfax Avenue in Harrogate.
Harrogate IT business 'incredibly proud' to represent town at national awards

A Harrogate computer and IT business has been named as a finalist in four categories at the national Tech Awards 2026.
Harrogate school fair to showcase young musical talent

Young performers from Harrogate are set to take to the stage alongside professional musicians as part of a new live music event at Rossett Acre Primary School's annual Summer Fair.
Harrogate care team conquers 45km charity walk

A Harrogate care team has completed a 45km charity walk in scorching heat, raising more than £1,300 for two local organisations supporting older people.
Increase in shoppers being duped by AI 'High Street' scams

Shoppers hunting for online bargains are being duped by sophisticated scam websites that convincingly pose as well known UK high street retailers, North Yorkshire trading standards officers have warned.
Financial investigators brought in to examine council-owned house builder

North Yorkshire Council has brought in financial investigators to look into its loss-making housing company Brierley Homes, it has emerged.
Comedy legend to visit Harrogate as part of upcoming tour

Comedy icon Harry Enfield is set to visit Harrogate later this year as part of his latest UK tour.
Governors oppose battery storage site near Knaresborough primary school

The governing body of a primary school near Knaresborough has announced its opposition to plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system next to the school site.
Street rangers tackle benches and bird mess on Cambridge Street

Harrogate BID's Street Rangers have been carrying out cleaning work on Cambridge Street as part of ongoing efforts to keep Harrogate town centre looking its best.
Harrogate Cat Rescue issues update on kittens born with genetic condition

Two kittens with genetic bone problems have been making "fantastic progress" under the care of Harrogate Cat Rescue following an appeal to help meet ongoing vet expenses.
Harrogate MP launches campaign to save M&S café on Leeds Road

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has launched a campaign to 'save' the M&S café at the store on Leeds Road.
Paddling pool in Valley Gardens remains closed for maintenance

The paddling pool at Harrogate's Valley Gardens has been temporarily closed while further checks are carried out following issues identified during maintenance work.