Christmas has quietly arrived in Cheltenham with lights in the town centre now switched on.
The traditional Christmas light switch-on was called off this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, lights have now been switched on providing a festive welcome to the town centre for anyone taking their daily exercise into Cheltenham.
The new Christmas lights, organised by Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID), are accompanied for the first year with golden baubles hanging from the trees on the pedestrianised Promenade and gold powder-coated holly, reindeer, stars and harps adorning the lampposts, allowing people to feel festive throughout the day and night.
As well as the new additions on the Promenade, there is also a stunning new Christmas tree on Montpellier roundabout.
Belinda Hunt, operations manager at Cheltenham BID, said: “We are pleased that we took the decision earlier this year to have new Christmas lights.
“We could not have foreseen how important these decorations would be and the fact that the display is as attractive during the day as it is at night is extra special.
“With the support of Cheltenham Borough Council, we have been able to give local businesses and people something to enjoy when they come to town, whether that is for their daily exercise or do their Christmas shopping when the restrictions are lifted.”
As well as the Christmas lights, Cheltenham BID is pleased to be working with the Queens Hotel which has recently announced an exciting new project which will see its current scaffolding lit up with a projection of a giant advent calendar.
(Image: Mikal Ludlow Photography)
Councillor Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for economy and development, said: “The Christmas lights are absolutely stunning and I’m certainly feeling in the festive spirit now.
“It is a real shame the traditional Cheltenham Christmas lights switch-on event, normally enjoyed by so many, had to be cancelled, but public safety quite rightly has been prioritised.
“I do hope however the people of Cheltenham are able to safely visit the town centre to experience this wonderful festivity for themselves.”
