Last month we reported that the Alderley Edge Christmas Light Switch On was at risk of not happening this year due to concerns over the funding.
The event has been organised by Mitch Gilbert of Rainbow Balloons and Alderley Edge Traders Action Group (AeTAG) since November 2001 and has mainly been funded through their £104 annual membership fee along with occasional donations.
This money is used to pay for staging, public insurance, first aid, signage for the road closure, entertainment and donations to various local organisations who are involved in the event - such as the Alderley Edge Scout Band, St Philips & St James Church and the Round Table Santa.
We can now confirm that the Christmas Light Switch On event will go ahead this year and the festive season will kick off in the village on Thursday, 24th November.
Once again a road closure will be in place so the celebrations can take place down London Road from 6pm to 9pm.
Mitch Gilbert, who organises the event, explained "The reason we are able to go ahead is we have managed to reduce some of the costs involved with the event, and also introduced five stalls from local restaurants."
He added "There will be no other stalls or market present this year, however, there will be the usual entertainment as in previous years to make the evening festive and other vendors who sell on the evening also help contribute towards the night.
"We do still only have 10 businesses that contribute to AeTAG that has not increased to date and hopefully if other businesses see the effort and wonderful evening that is organised with lots of hard work, they may consider contributing to this annual event and help keep it going for years to come.
"We look forward to seeing local residents of Alderley Edge and surrounding areas for our annual light switch on event, now in its 14th Year, on Thursday 24th November."
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
I was told that someone ( possibly from the Council ) had gone round the shops just that morning selling orange paper flowers to the shops that hadn't bothered doing anything towards the occasion . After all the great effort of Christine Munro , painting the bikes orange , etc. etc. and ( see below )
Christine Munro told alderleyedge.com "It is a great opportunity for the traders and particularly the restaurants to benefit from the additional footfall on the day, and it also a great opportunity to make our village look fantastic for this once in a lifetime event coming to our village.
Runway did a great window and Rainbow balloons were all over the village lighting it up with orange and making it look so special , thank goodness for businesses like them.
The rumour on London Road is legendary mascot, 'Eddie Edgehog' from Alderley Edge Hockey Club will be along on the night to 'wave' in the lights. £100 donation on its way from the club to help the cost burden.
does your entry above propose that the Parish Council should throw some money at the 'Xmas Lights Switch On' ? If so, you got my vote !
If you examine the P.C's annual budget, it may be possible to locate a source of unspent monies that could indeed be used to support this village event ?
The 15/16 budget includes a proposed £16,000 for allotments and a £4,000 for allotment legal fees. The 16/17 budget proposes £8,000 for allotments and £4,000 for allotment legal fees.
Its quite possible that these sums did not have to be spent and so surely the P.C. could 'take' from there to give a financial helping hand to the xmas event.
Perhaps the good Councillors are even now debating that possibility ?
Just asking !
The main part of that enjoyment isn't the switch on at all. We rarely stay for that, more the Christmas market feel and busy streets.
Hopefully it will return next year when people miss it this year.
Roughly how much does it cost to put on the big light switch on of previous years? If it helps in future years I'm happy to help set it up - as long as I'm free to enjoy it with the kids during the great event!
Thank you for your offer of help for future events. If you e-mail me I can send details for your diary.