Hucknall's Christmas lights switch on in limbo as Covid-19 restrictions ban large gatherings

With the threat of Covid-19 still high in across the country and Government rules preventing large gatherings, Ashfield District Council is looking at alternative arrangements to the annual Christmas lights switch-on.

Coun John Wilmott, ward councillor for Hucknall North, said: “Due to Covid-19 guidelines, it is clear that this year’s Christmas events will not go ahead in the previous format.

“We are currently working on plans as to what the alternative arrangements will be.

"We will make an announcement as soon the plans are finalised.”

In England, the limit of up to six people from multiple households meeting up applies both indoors and outdoors, and to all ages.

Gatherings in private homes, venues like pubs and restaurants, and in outdoor spaces like parks are all affected.

Meanwhile in Nottingham itself, no decision has yet been made about whether the annual Winter Wonderland will go ahead but Nottingham City Council has announced the cancellation of its annual Bonfire Night and fireworks display.

The popular annual event was due to be staged at its regular home of the Forest Recreation Ground on Thursday, November 5.

Coun Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m really disappointed to have an announce its cancellation, especially following on from other much-loved major events over the past few months.

“Our Events team have again considered a variety of approaches to try to find a way of hosting Bonfire Night and the accompanying two firework displays, but in light of the latest Government rules on large scale public gatherings there was just no way we could do that safely.

“We have to be mindful not only of people’s safety at the event, but also the wider considerations of how they would get there as many visitors choose to arrive by tram or the numerous bus routes that serve Mansfield Road.

“I hope very much that the event will return with a bang in 2021.”

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