Let’s hope we can look ahead to better and brighter days

THIS year, more than ever as we continue to live through the covid19 pandemic, it feels that we’re all in need of the spirit lifting magic and sparkle that Christmas brings.

Living through history these last months has been challenging for everyone.

Light has traditionally been at the heart of winter festivals and celebrations both religious and secular across the years.

As winter approaches and the days shorten, decorating our homes and putting up sparkly festive lights could be just what’s needed to brighten our days and to bring a message of hope to remind us that better days are on the way.

Here at The Cheltenham Trust we’re happy to be supporting Cheltenham Borough Council’s community Christmas countdown event which is focusing on lighting up the town and creating that special sparkle.

The #Cheltchristmasmagic event is inviting everyone in Cheltenham to put up their lights and switch them on at 6pm tonight (Thursday).

That could be a simple tea light lantern in a window or a fully decorated house.

Father Christmas will lead the online countdown which is being broadcast via the council’s Youtube channel.

At the Trust, we’re ready to let in the light and to twinkle at the town’s iconic Pittville Pump Room.

The elegant colonnade has been decorated with a host of sparkly

Christmas trees and strings of festive festoon lights under the portico.

We’re also embracing the festive season with a selection of Christmas foods and drinks, including warming mulled wine, as part of our takeaway offer and we’re looking forward to welcoming an infamous Christmas visitor later today.

Now, more than ever, is the time to light up Cheltenham after what has been a very dark year and to embrace the hope that the light at the end of the tunnel is approaching and we can all look forward to better and brighter days ahead.