Alnwick Christmas lights set to be saved as traders launch appeal - here's how you can help

An appeal has been launched by Alnwick Chamber of Trade for support in funding a Christmas lights display.
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A group of members want to hire a private company to put on a display, but they need to raise £2,500.

So far, a fantastic £1,365 has been pledged – but support from local residents and businesses is needed to come up with the remainder.

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Emily Pringle from Notes of Northumberland, writing on the Go Fund Me page, said: “Ever since I was a child growing up in Alnwick the beautiful Christmas lights display has been a huge part of my Christmas.

Christmas lights in Alnwick in a previous year.Christmas lights in Alnwick in a previous year.
Christmas lights in Alnwick in a previous year.

“As most of you know, the Christmas lights display is put on by a small number of volunteers who work tirelessly every weekend from around March to make it what it is.

“This year due to Covid-19 and lockdown the team have been unable to meet and work on this and have had to make the difficult decision to only provide a limited display this year with the aim to be back as amazing as ever in 2021.

"Coronavirus has ruined 2020 so far and we are determined to try and claw back some form of Christmas. We can't possibly go in to the Christmas period with no lights in the town centre.

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"Members of the Alnwick Chamber of Trade have found a private company who can provide a display in Alnwick this year.

"Work is ongoing to secure a large proportion of the cost however we have not been able to hit the target and time is running out.

"This is where you come in. We need to raise at least £2,500 to go ahead and we need your help. If you can contribute anything to this cause, however small, we could put together a display and save Christmas in Alnwick.

The lights committee decided in May not to organise a formal switch-on event because of concerns about social distancing.

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They still plan to put up a tree in the marketplace and light it up as much as possible together with some smaller decorations.

It received a funding lifeline last year from the Malhotra Group, which operates the new £12m Beech Tree House and Hillcrest care home. It put up an initial £7,000 with annual payments of £5,000 until 2023.

To donate, visit https://gf.me/u/y5yrbq

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Alnwick Christmas lights switch-on event cancelled due to social distancing conc...

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