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28

Oct 2022

Last Updated: 28/10/2022
Community
Community

New tree lights illuminate Harrogate's Stray

by Tamsin O'Brien

| 28 Oct, 2022
Comment

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The new strings of LED lights are no longer hanging from branches as they have done in the past but wrapped around the trunks and branches.

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The winter lights decorating trees around Harrogate's Stray have had something of a makeover.

New LED bulbs have replaced the older ones and the strings of lights are no longer hanging from branches as they have done in the past.

Contracts manager for Harrogate-based Yorkshire Lighting Services, Rob Malloy, explained:

"The council couldn't carry on with the trees lights how they were as any storm damage would wreck them. The lights were strung up from branch to branch.
"It's been designed to reduce breakage. We've wrapped them around the trunks and branches. Each tree is different - each is unique.
"The idea is to cheer people up."


The company won the tender to replace the lights and has had four workers on the project for the past couple of months.

Forty trees around the Stray, West Park and York Place have all seen the old lights removed and the new ones put in place.

The council also funded the replacement of lights on the trees on Otley Road and Leeds Road that had been individually sponsored in memory of loved ones in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research around a decade ago.

Mr Malloy told the Stray Ferret that he hoped the result would be a fitting memory for those people the trees lights have been dedicated to.

Top Harrogate Tree Lights Facts: 


  • Each tree is wrapped with 100 metres of cable

  • There are 1,000 LED bulbs per tree

  • They are connected to the street lights for power

  • Each tree uses 30 watts of energy

  • The LED bulbs are brighter than the previous ones and will last longer

  • They're switched on by photocell system that's directed by daylight

  • They switch off at midnight


Councillor Sam Gibbs, Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:

"The Stray is such an iconic landmark for Harrogate and throughout the year attracts thousands of visitors.
"We're often complimented on the existing lighting, but it can be difficult to manage due to lights getting blown around, hanging down and becoming dangerous.
"The replacement project will be a big change compared to the current display and should continue to bring a smile to people’s faces as they travel through the town in the evening."