City lights are being put in preparation of switch on

WORKMEN have begun the task of putting up more than 13,000 lights to illuminate Leicester this Christmas.

Council contractors are putting up the decorations that cross the city’s main shopping streets.

Deputy mayor councillor Piara Singh Clair said: “Our lighting team and contractors are working hard to make sure that Leicester looks magical this Christmas and that everything’s ready for the big switch-on on Thursday 23 November.”

This year the council has spent £50,000 updating the city’s stock of decorations and replacing worn-out fixtures and fittings.

The extra cash means there will be new decorations for Belvoir Street and Halford Street.

Similar to the decorations used on Market Street and Granby Street, the contemporary designs feature snowflakes, stars and Christmas trees.

Colourful new decorations have already gone up around the Market Place.

Decorations for the new market square have also been ordered.

The four trees in the square will be lit up with pea-lights, while illuminated garlands will be strung between the square’s lamp-columns to create a festive atmosphere in the new space.

The trees in Jubilee Square will also be lit up to create a sparkling backdrop for the Wheel of Light – the big wheel that will be back in the square for the Christmas period – and the spectacular real ice rink that will open to the public on Saturday 9 December.

At the Clock Tower, a giant Christmas tree – a 50ft Sitka spruce – will be carefully lowered into place, while the city’s traditional nativity scene and a tableau depicting The Chronicles of Narnia will be installed in Town Hall Square.

Last year the council’s Christmas tree came under fire with some grumbling on social media that it was not very good.

Contractors working for the council have been installing the decorations early in the morning and at weekends to minimise inconvenience to road users.

Leicester’s Christmas lights will be switched on as part of a packed evening of entertainment on Thursday 23 November from 5pm.

Full details of all the events taking place in Leicester this Christmas will be in a free guide – available from 16 November.