Forres Christmas Lights Committee set up crowdfunder for bigger and brighter display and switch-on
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A FUNDRAISING page has been set up encouraging donations to help repair and add to the town’s Christmas lights.
Due to Covid 19, the Forres Christmas Lights Committee (FCLC) were unable to stage a ‘switch-on’ event last year and they are now hoping that the community will help them put on a brighter event in 2021.
FLFC chairman, Alan Hunter, confirmed that, each year, a team of 20 volunteers spends around 18 hours over two days erecting and the taking down the lights. They took them down on Sunday, January 10.
Alan said: "Some the lights, particularly those that cross the street, are 10 years old and much like the chairman are beginning to show signs of age.
"The hope is that we can add to what we already have to create an even bigger display for 2021, but the lights do not come cheap. For example, the lights that cross the street can cost between £2000 to £3000 and the smaller lamppost lights are around £300 for one unit.
"We didn’t have the usual event in December with entertainment but we hope that the lights we put up brought some joy to the people of Forres and hope that we can encourage a few donations."
Traditionally the Christmas lights are switched on on the last Saturday of November, with crowds congregating at the Tolbooth around the Christmas tree donated by Moray Estates and delivered by Tommy Gill.
In 2019, the event included a Christmas market in the town hall, a fancy-dress parade and performances from Elgin City Band, Forres and District Junior Pipe Band, Kinloss Military Wives Choir and pupils from local schools.
Alan added: "Over the last two years, we have started to expand on what we offer to the community. We had hoped that the 2020 event would be bigger than before, but we will just have to keep these plans for this year. I want to thank every single volunteer who gave up their time and thank those in advance who support us by donating."
To make a donation towards Forres Christmas lights, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/forreschristmaslights
