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Sept 2020

Last Updated: 18/09/2020

Harrogate

BID prepares to brighten Harrogate with new Christmas lights

by Vicky Carr

| 18 Sept, 2020

Harrogate BID Interim Chair, Sara Ferguson, Harrogate host Jo Caswell and Harrogate BID project co-ordinator Dawn Gennery

Brighter, better and more extensive than ever: that's the promise from the organisation now responsible for Harrogate's Christmas lights.

Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID) will be organising the displays for the first time this year and has appointed Gala Lights to make the town shine brighter than ever during the festive season.

Although the traditional Big Switch-On will not be possible, retailers and restaurants will be hoping the new and improved displays will draw people in to the town centre. The BID is hoping an online switch-on, taking place on Saturday, November 14, will help members of the community to get involved, as well as supporting local businesses.

Harrogate BID acting chair Sara Ferguson said:

“For a number of years, Harrogate’s annual Christmas lights have been funded by donations from local businesses and individuals, match-funded by Harrogate Borough Council.

“The appeal was launched on Stray FM and raised tens of thousands of pounds each and every year, with the switch-on taking place live on radio with stars from Harrogate Pantomime playing leading roles.

“Whilst none of that will be happening this year for obvious reasons, Harrogate’s Christmas lights will shine brighter than ever and be a reason for people to come into town during the festive season to shop, eat and drink."

Custom made

The lights will be switched on in mid-November and will be strung between buildings, wrapped around lampposts and housed in trees, including those in front of the war memorial at the top of Parliament Street.

There will also be an illuminated, programmable and multi-coloured tunnel on the piazza in front of Victoria Shopping Centre, controllable via an app. Ms Ferguson added:

“Following a competitive pitch, we have chosen Gala Lights as our partner of the next four years. They are Christmas lighting specialists and work with towns, cities and BIDs throughout the UK. And for the first time in many years the lights are being custom-made for us.

“We are also looking at a lights switch on, but this won’t be a physical countdown in the town centre, but an online one involving local businesses and, hopefully, a big name or two.”

Gala Lights managing director Christopher Stille said:

“We are proud to be creating bespoke new Christmas lights for Harrogate town centre and we hope the new scheme will be well received by residents and visitors alike.”

Harrogate BID has recently expanded its team with the appointment of a 'host' to liaise with businesses and local authorities, and a project co-ordinator to support interim manager Simon Kent. It is funded through a levy on business rates applied to all businesses in the town centre over a set rateable value.