No crowds to attend switch-on

ADEVON town which stages one of the biggest Christmas lights spectacles in the Westcountry has cancelled this year’s public switchon event because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Brixham Town Council has taken the decision now to avoid spending public money on a public gathering which could be called off.

But it has decided to invest in improving the Christmas lights and says this year’s display will be better than ever.

The switch-on event, called Lanterns, Lights and Luminations, was scheduled for Saturday, November 28, and has become one of the biggest in the region.

Deputy town clerk Linda McGuirk said: “The cancellation might seem like a premature decision, but it is important public money is not invested in an event that may have to be cancelled eventually because of ongoing social distancing restrictions.

“Lanterns, Lights and Luminations is one of the biggest Christmas lights switch-on events in the South West and attracts thousands of visitors.

“Such a well-attended event could not be safely socially distanced and a last-minute enforced cancellation would be costly. More and better Christmas lights will be switched on, but without the crowds.”

Councillor Paul Addison, chairperson of the Community Services Committee, said: “Although we will not be holding a large public gathering to switch on the lights this year, we do have a plan to celebrate the festive season while maintaining social distancing restrictions.”

The Town Council has updated this year’s display in partnership with Lighting Up Brixham, a community group dedicated to enhancing the lights.

Chris Slack Photography > Brixham’s 2019 Lights, Lanterns and ‘Luminations switch-on event which drew the crowds (below)