Couldn’t Get Out For the Lights? Relax, Guildford’s Bringing the Sparkle to Your Home

Published on: 21 Nov, 2020
Updated on: 24 Nov, 2020

Feeling the lockdown blues and facing another gloomy day? Here’s how Guildford can brighten your life and sprinkle a little sparkle on your soul: tune in to the video…

There you will meet Father Christmas, council leaders, Guildford MP Angela Richardson, Experience Guildford, celebrity Peter Gordon and other key town partners such as the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford Fringe Theatre Company and Guildford Philanthropy, all properly socially distanced, of course.

The fresh take on a much-loved festive poem was written by local artist Nick White at GEEYOU.

Deputy Mayor Marsha Moseley with Mayor Richard Billington, currently recovering from surgery

“Christmas is certainly not cancelled in Guildford and it was brilliant to be part of a new way to mark the occasion of our usual lights switch-on,” said Deputy Mayor Cllr Marsha Moseley.

“Your community spirit has been incredible this year and Mayor Richard Billington and I have been so impressed with how you have all pulled together to look after our borough and each other.

“We will be releasing details soon on how we can celebrate our fantastic Community Heroes through a new Mayoral Award.

“We usually have a nominated Christmas Lights charity and this year it’s our Mayoral charities:

“They are Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response Fund, which supports local organisations helping vulnerable, elderly and isolated residents affected by the pandemic and our Local Support Fund for families struggling financially.”

Image courtesy Guildford Past & Present FaceBook

Donations can be made to either charity here https://www.guildford.gov.uk/mayorsevents

Council leader Joss Bigmore said: “Our lights are on and you’re staying home, so we thought we’d bring them to you.

Cllr Joss Bigmore

“We have all had a challenging year and our residents have continued to play their part by following the guidance to keep Guildford safe and we wanted to bring them some early festive cheer. We hope you enjoy the short film.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped support our borough this year, from the incredible volunteers to our businesses and essential and emergency services who have kept Guildford going.

“Please continue to shop local, lots of our independent retailers are online and please do keep washing your hands and staying two metres apart.”

Amanda Masters

Amanda Masters, CEO Experience Guildford, said: “The Christmas Lights always bring seasonal sparkle to the town centre but as we come to the end of a tumultuous year their illumination has definitely provided some much-needed festive cheer.

“We hope residents will enjoy a glimpse of the lights if they’re in town to make essential purchases, or for exercise during lockdown, and that the lights will serve as the usual beautiful backdrop for Christmas shoppers when the restrictions are lifted.

“We hope people will continue to support our local services online from home for now and in person when we are able to step into our shops again.

“This year more than ever it is so important to show your local retail and hospitality businesses some love in the lead up to Christmas and to continue to be cautious, calm and kind when you’re in the town centre.”

Peter Gordon said: “It was brilliant to be involved in such a special video to mark our community’s usual celebratory night.

“It wasn’t the same without you all but we can still bring some sparkle to your door while you’re keeping safe at home. Even though we couldn’t count together this year, or play our annual festive favourite Slade, the lights are now on, so Christmas is here.”

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