After 15 years of celebrating an annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event in the village centre, to help kick-off the festive season in Alderley Edge, this year's Switch On hangs in the balance.
The event has been organised by Mitch Gilbert of Rainbow Balloons and Alderley Edge Traders Action Group (AeTAG) since November 2001. It has mainly been funded through their £104 annual membership fee along with occasional donations.
The money is used to pay for staging, public insurance, Red Cross first aid, signage for the road closure, entertainment and donations to Alderley Edge Scout Band, St Philips & St James Church and the Round Table Santa.
Mitch Gilbert said "I have been involved with this event since the beginning, now in its 15th year. I feel it is an event which has involved the local schools, the high street restaurants and bars and shops if they remain open. The Parish Council enjoy the hot it brings the high street as it's a community event. I did start the event as a big thank you to Alderley Edge village customers for shopping in Alderley Edge."
However, the future of the community event is under threat due to a lack of funds.
Mitch explained "The years have seen a decline in those subscribing and we currently stand at only 11 businesses contributing. This unfortunately does not provide enough in the 'pot' to help create a great event as we have done for over 15 years.
"AeTAG would like to invite all existing and any new businesses to help keep this annual event going which helps bring our customers, local residents and businesses together for a great evening to help kick start a wonderful time of the year."
He added "Of course it is not only funding that is needed but volunteers on the evening to assist in the organisation which is always a struggle to find."
This year's event has been pencilled in for Thursday 24th November.
Anyone wishing to get involved with AeTAG by joining and contributing, assisting with events and attending meetings can contact Mitch Gilbert on 01625 583168.
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