Lighting up for Christmas – but not in the usual way

Wirral communities are being extra-creative this year when it comes to decorating and lighting up their high streets for Christmas.

The Covid-19 pandemic means that Christmas fairs, light switch-on events and other public celebrations have had to be ruled out for 2020.

So while Wirral Council continues to provide practical support to groups who wish to put up Christmas lights and other decorations, it is not able to sanction any event that would be likely to attract large numbers of people in same place.

Cllr Tom Anderson, Chair of Wirral Council’s Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee, said: “Decorating high streets and other public areas for Christmas is a tradition that is highly valued across our communities.

“Naturally, people will be really disappointed that the need to reduce the potential for widespread transmission of Coronavirus means that public gatherings cannot be sanctioned this year. This is a decision that was taken after careful consideration and with public safety in mind.

“However, we are grateful and proud of the continued efforts of local people to still provide community lights and decorations, in co-operation with the council’s highways team. While they can’t be given a celebratory launch, they are still providing a great deal of joy and festive spirit to residents and visitors.”