Improved Christmas light display on the cards for Grantham town centre

Grantham is set for a Christmas lights upgrade thanks to new funding to replace and improve the annual display.

Artist impressions of the enhanced illuminations were showcased at today’s Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

It follows disappointing feedback received after last year’s display.

Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Paul Stokes, said: “This will provide a much-improved light display for Grantham during the 2023 Christmas period and beyond, something the town needs and deserves.

“This, in turn, will support the retail and hospitality sector during what is one of their most important trading periods.

“The new energy-efficient lighting will be complemented by the traditional tree installation in the Market Place, which would also be decorated by the preferred supplier.

“All of this will incorporate town centre activities including a Christmas market, family fun day, street entertainment and food stalls, as we are very much looking forward to bringing some seasonal colour and excitement to our historic market town: a much-needed boost.”

Festive lights in Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings are paid for and maintained by their own town councils. In the absence of a town council for Grantham, South Kesteven District Council is responsible for town centre Christmas decorations.

The annual budget for Christmas lights is currently set at £17,500, met from the Grantham Special Expense Area fund.

Because the proposals exceed current budget levels, the Committee agreed to request £30,800 of the District’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation for one-off infrastructure costs and to hire displays from Gala Lights for the next three Christmas periods. A reserve fund from the Special Expense Area budget would make up any shortfall.

Gala Lights is seen as a climate change-friendly operation, having committed to becoming a carbon neutral company by 2025. The lights are made from low carbon aluminium comprised of 60% recycled materials with a lower carbon footprint.

The recommended lighting scheme of LED lights use up to 90% less energy than previously installed conventional halogen bulbs.

As well as producing a financial saving for the Council, this will also reduce the amount of electricity used, contributing to the Council’s carbon efficiency targets.