Moreton's 'embarrassing' Christmas lights replaced

Moreton in Marsh Christmas Lights committee have raised almost £20,000 to replace their old decorations, which had gone into disrepair.

Residents and businesses had rallied together for the past two years to raise the sum because many of the lights had stopped working or had started to dim. 

The towns old Christmas lights. (Image: Andy Everson)Moreton's annual lights switch-on event was forced to have half of its Christmas lights in 2022 not switched on due to "embarrassment". 

Andy Everson of the Moreton in Marsh Christmas Lights Committee said: "They had been on the buildings for nearly 20 years and were in such a poor state.

"Some were not working, others had gone dim and it was really embarrassing to switch them on, so we had to replace them and could not carry on another year.

"It is a fantastic feeling. Residents and I want the town to look pretty and last year, we didn't do the switch on because it was so embarrassing."

He said many residents and businesses understood the decision to not hold the light switch on last year and now many are reaping the benefits.

Nearly two kilometres of new lights had been purchased and installed down the High Street ahead of the big day, which will be on November 25.

This year, children from St Davids Primary School have been taking part in a poster competition to design the Moreton in Marsh Christmas Lights committee logo.

The winning artist will be nominated to switch on Moreton's new Christmas lights. 

The annual Christmas market will start at 9.30am, and the lights will be switched at 5pm.

Mr Everson added: "Personally and on behalf of the entire committee, I would like to thank everyone who donated and contributed to the committee funding efforts and to the businesses and residents who have agreed to have the lights installed on their buildings.

"Without them, we would not been able to do this. They have helped bring back Moreton's Light Switch On to its former glory."