Christmas lights, but without the crowds

Published: 28 September 2020

The streets of Derby will sparkle with Christmas lights this year, but Derby City Council has confirmed that there will be no official switch-on event.

Instead, plans are under way to create seasonal attractions that can be enjoyed safely, with social distancing measures in place.

Usually thousands of families flock to the city centre in November for the Christmas lights switch-on, which last year involved a colourful parade through the city centre, ending in an exciting stage show in Derby Market Place.

Councillor Robin Wood, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said:

It is sad but inevitable that we have had to rethink our plans this year. Going ahead with something which would encourage huge gatherings of people in the city centre would not be the responsible thing to do while COVID-19 remains in such high circulation. The good news is we are working on some exciting plans with our partners. Our wish for everyone is good health and Christmas cheer, so we are going to light up Derby, and we’re looking forward to announcing more as soon as we can.

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