The future of the Lytham Christmas Lights Switch On Event in its traditional format is uncertain. The popular annual event which attracted large crowds was previously organised by three people – Brenda Blackshaw, Lauren Gallagher and Sarah Rhodes. They have stepped down from organising the event.
On behalf of the three previous organisers, Sarah has said, ‘Stepping down from organising the switch on event is not a decision we took lightly, but because of rising costs, increased security restrictions and the overall difficulty in raising the necessary funds it is something we really felt we had no choice about.
Last year we attracted record numbers and while this was great it means it is inevitable the costs of insurance and security alone just cannot be met for the event to continue as it was.
We organised Lytham Christmas under the umbrella of Lytham Business Partnership so they are now well underway with planning this year’s event and we hope it is supported by all.
The event has just been the three of us appealing to businesses and residents to support the town during the festive period and beyond but sadly, over the last couple of years it has become increasingly difficult to get financial support.
Lytham Christmas has always been a 100% self-funded event and when you start with a balance of £0 each year it is extremely difficult to find the circa £15k + necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.’
Currently a ‘Go Fund Me’ page has been initiated by Suzanne Taylor to fund this festive event. The Go Fund Me page says:
‘Lytham Christmas Lights Switch-On is a free, fun, festive event for all the family, with singing and dancing in the street, a ‘Light Up Lytham’ Lantern Parade and a Concert in Clifton Square. This is the start of the festive period for our gorgeous little town with charming independent retailers, cafes and bars and all our welcome.
Over the years, thousands of locals plus visitors from further afield have enjoyed what Lytham has to offer: shops, restaurants, bars, and wonderful community organisations who make the place so special.
All our artists give their services for free, as does our organising group of volunteers. The costs we need to cover include promotion, staging, lights, costumes, production, festive trees, health & safety and insurance. The end result is a wonderful afternoon and evening of fun, and the start of Christmas anticipation for the children!
Please support the event with a donation and come along on the day! Every single donation helps ensure this community event keeps happening, and can be enjoyed for years to come. This year, we have pared down our costs to £8,000.
Thank you very much for your support.’
The Go Fund Me page may be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lytham-christmas-2023?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet-first-launch&utm_medium=email&utm_source=customer
