Horsham was once renowned for what was hailed as ‘the best Christmas lights in the South’. This was at a time when corporations contributed thousands of pounds to the illuminations, however the gradual loss of that funding has resulted in this popular event coming to an end.
In 2019, HDC funded a project in the town called ‘Light Up Horsham’ which followed the finale of Horsham District Year of Culture. This proved to be very popular with the local community, however this was never planned to be an annual event and so this was the last ‘switch on’ event the town experienced.
Previous conversations around funding sparked a debate among the public over whether or not taxpayers’ money should be used to make up the shortfall and maintain the festive lights at their previous levels. At the time, a majority of the public argued against taxpayers’ money being used on a large scale for Christmas lights.
Whilst we near the 2023 Christmas season, Horsham residents have expressed their desire for a Christmas light ‘switch on’ to be reinstated. These annual events draw a lot of positive light (pardon the pun) on our town – allowing the community to get together and share their joy for this festive period and show just how great we are as a town. These events will also help support local businesses in the hospitality sector by catering for the general public with food, drinks and accommodation.
Do you feel Horsham should continue with these events? Join our community chat on our Facebook Page or email James@spottedhorsham.com
2 Comments
We have some big name restaurants in Horsham and numerous coffee venues I’m sure that they and local businesses can contribute to a Christmas light fund even if it’s too late for this year. Come on HDC put us back on the map.
Maybe they should open a go fund me fund via rotary club where people that can afford to make a contribution b it big or small. Even as little as £1 each would prob cover it – especially if live all year