Informational update – Christmas lights as at 13:00 on Monday 22nd December 2025
We’re aware that there have been continued issues with some Christmas lights switching off unexpectedly. Despite repeated resets, the cause has been identified as ongoing failure of timer extensions due to wet weather and water ingress.
Following advice from both the light manufacturers and our installation contractors, it has been agreed that, for the remainder of the festive period, the affected lights will be set to remain illuminated continuously (24 hours a day). This removes reliance on equipment that has proven unreliable and helps ensure the display remains consistently lit.
The installation engineers from ETTS have kindly confirmed that they will attend to switch the lights over to continuous operation following their staff Christmas lunch. We’re very grateful to them for making the effort to return to site at such a busy time of year, and for their continued commitment to keeping the lights running for the town.
We recognise that running the lights continuously isn’t something we would normally wish to do, particularly in terms of electricity usage. However, the current LED scheme is far more energy-efficient than previous lighting. The total electrical load of the display is approximately 2.1 kW, which at current electricity prices equates to a running cost of around 55p per hour, or approximately £13 per day.
By comparison, replacing individual timer units can cost in excess of £250 per unit, alongside the environmental impact of manufacturing replacements and repeated site visits by installers. The lights themselves are also manufactured entirely from recycled plastic that would otherwise have been incinerated or sent to landfill. When all factors are considered, this temporary approach is the most proportionate and environmentally conscious option available at this stage.
The underlying issues with timers and power supplies will be reviewed fully after the festive period so that Members can consider longer-term solutions for future years.
Feedback from residents and businesses is welcomed and will be logged as part of that review.
This update is provided for information only and does not represent a Council decision.
🎄 We wish everyone a very Happy Christmas. 🎄