Ledbury lights switch-on deals with Christmas tree blunder

Ledbury Town Council said it would like to thank everyone who helped with the lights switch on event on Sunday (November 27).

Amanda Hopewell the vocalist, the Ledbury Dance Company, the Ledbury Brass Band, the Community Choir, Shed Sounds, the Snow Queen, and Santa with his elves all performed.

The council have thanked all the volunteers who helped throughout the day.

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Ledbury Christmas lights switch-on had a market and performers (Image: Joyce Ince)

Traders are thanked for bringing their stalls to Ledbury to help make the event more than just a light switch on, said a spokesperson for the council.

“And of course, we would like to thank the public for joining us for an amazing day,” they said.

There were a couple of glitches with some of the lights on the night, but the council believes these have all been resolved.

But, a council spokesperson said, they are aware that the tree might seem smaller than in previous years.

“Unfortunately, we do not believe the tree is the size we had ordered, however when it was delivered it was too late to reject it as the lights were being installed the same day, but we will be ensuring we have bigger tree in 2023,” said the spokesperson.

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Santa returned to Ledbury Town Council offices for the first time since the pandemic.

In the past two years the council have been funding gifts for families in Ledbury who are struggling.

These have made a huge difference to many Ledbury children, said the spokesperson.

This year the council have written to local companies to ask if they could help with this project to ensure it can be continued. 

Some of the larger Ledbury companies have responded and promised £1,400 from five local companies, which has enabled to purchase craft items for the switch-on event, so that the council could offer face painting and crafting for free all-day.

The companies who have so far either donated or given a pledge to do so are ABE, Galebreakers, Sequani, Red Kite and Westons.

The donations they have given will enable the council to buy presents for the children and families.

Ledbury Town Council would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and happy New Year.