Rayleigh Christmas Lights Switch on cancelled.

[Rob Thompson]

Rayleigh Christmas Lights Switch on cancelled

Source -  Basildon Echo -By Toby Emes

Date - 03-08-2021

A POPULAR Christmas lights switch-on event has been cancelled in Rayleigh as bosses fear Covid rates could spike again over winter.

Rayleigh Town Council has stopped the event, which would have seen roads closed and hundreds of families descend on the town.

Bosses cited too much risk surrounding planning for the switch-on during the winter months, where it’s feared Covid cases could spike again.

However, organisers of the Wickford Christmas street fair confirmed the event for November will still be going ahead.
Rayleigh Town Council was forced to make an earlier than planned decision for the switch on, scheduled for November 25, because of the pandemic.

Cheryl Roe, chairman of the Christmas Lights sub committee, said: “Our Christmas lights switch-on event had grown and become more spectacular each year.

“More and more people attend but for me the duty of care to everyone is paramount, given that Covid-19 rates are up and down.

“We had to say yes or no.

“We’ve seen a sharp rise in Covid rates before.

“We have to get authority for the road closures, and the safety of families and businesses is the main priority.

“There’s a lot of time and work that goes into organising the event.”

The switch-on event includes performances from choirs, entertainment from performers, and dozens of food and drink stalls.

Last year’s event was cancelled due to lockdown restrictions at the time.

A spokesman from Wickford at Christmas, said: “You might not have heard from us recently but behind the scenes, the elf committee have been busy organising.”

A spokesman from Rayleigh Town Council, added: “It is with great sadness that we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the Christmas Lights Switch on Event.

“This event relies on organisations, market traders and volunteers and their health and safety is priority, as well as that of our residents.”

[Rob Thompson]

Another example of inconsistency, it doesn't bode well for Christmas  

[Jeff Hillyard]

Yikes, feels awful early to be making that decision.

[Black River Santa]

I mainly do non-profit and civic events, which seem to have adopted a wait and see plan at this point. But I remain hopeful!

[Rob Thompson]

38 minutes ago, Black River Santa said:

I mainly do non-profit and civic events, which seem to have adopted a wait and see plan at this point. But I remain hopeful!

I think for some events they need to make a decision earlier in order to let participants plan other things etc...