Let there be lights in Oban this Christmas
A group tasked with making sure the town lights up merrily for this year’s festive season has had its first meeting.
With seven months to go before a November switch-on, the clock is already ticking with much work to be done including fundraising.
The search is on for sponsors to show their support and help make the streets sparkle.
A crowdfunding page is also a possibility seeing as a substantial amount of money is needed to improve what the town already has to offer in the way of Christmas lights.
A call has gone out to any groups, organisations or business interested in getting onboard.
Representatives at the first meeting included community and Argyll councillors, the fire service and Andy Spence from BID4Oban.
‘No single group in the town has responsibility for festive lighting but a collaborative approach is being taken to ensure that this year’s town decorations will be the best in many years.
‘Many funding avenues are being looked at but it is likely that a crowdfunding page will be set up,’ said Mr Spence.
So far Oban has a mix of new, damaged and old lighting, most of which was inherited and gifted to BID4Oban now that Argyll and Bute Council is no longer responsible for festive lights in any town.
There is a possibility that some of the old lights can be refurbished and Oban Electrical Services (OES), which is already a supporter, is being asked to check them over and give a cost for repairs.
OES is also going to advise on suppliers and how displays around the town can be extended and improved.
The key areas for the lights are George Street, Station Square, the clock tower, Albany Street, Combie Streets and the town’s traditional three trees.
And the group is also looking at a new kind of light projection for a number of buildings, such as The Rockfield Centre and the gable end of the Perle Hotel.
Installation of the lights would be no later than Friday November 18.
The last of funding for Christmas lights from Argyll and Bute Council was used up in 2020. Donations from Oban Common Good Fund, Oban Community Council, West Highland Housing Association and BID4Oban managed to secure lighting for last year but more twinkles are now needed to make the display brighter and better.
The date of the next meeting is Wednesday May 11. If you are interested in helping out, email: info@bid4oban.co.uk.