Kington's spectacular Christmas lights switch-on event is cancelled due to on-going building works

Kington's spectacular annual Christmas lights switch-on event has been cancelled due to on-going building works.

Kington Chamber of Trade which organises the event and Kington Town Council said the decision to cancel the event is extremely disappointing but they felt a substandard display would not be appropriate.

The Chamber of Trade are making every effort to put on an alternative event, with more details to come

The working party group who manager the Christmas lights for the town expressed concern at a town council meeting on Monday that owing to the ongoing works at the Market Hall and Coach House, and the uncertainty of a finish date, erecting the Christmas lights and the annual switch on event would be difficult to arrange.

They said they would not be able to put the usual Christmas lights up on the buildings.

Chairman of the Chamber of Trade Emma Hancocks said they every effort is being made to replace the usual event and they are looking at alternatives to put something on for the children.

She said they are also planning to put up the small Christmas trees through the town, and to have a Christmas tree at a different location in the town and they have asked local business people to make their shop window displays as bright and colourful as they can be.

She said discussions have taken place with the Christmas light contractors and they will roll the contract over to 2027 with no penalty.

A spokesman for Kington Town Council said: “We have subsequently been informed that, due to the contractors finding unexpected issues, work has been halted whilst these are resolved, and that no finish date can yet be confirmed.

“The decision has therefore, regretfully, been made to cancel.

“Whilst this is extremely disappointing both the Town council and the Chamber of Trade feel that a substandard display would not be appropriate.

“Every effort is being made to organise a Christmas event to replace the usual ‘switch on’ evening and we will keep you informed as soon as we have more detail.

“The Town Council find it most frustrating that we are in the hands of Herefordshire Council who own and manage the Market Hall and Coach House.

“As such we have no control over the speed of the works but we have, and will continue to make, representations and show our concerns to Herefordshire Council.”