Spalding among the Lincolnshire towns refusing to be Scrooges over Christmas celebrations

Spalding’s Christmas tree is expected to dazzle this year – as Lincolnshire’s authorities refuse to be Scrooges.

Despite some councils across the UK dimming their Christmas light displays in a desperate bid to save money, authorities in the county are still set to raise smiles with an array of festive treats.

Nationally, the festive season is looking less bright as several councils have taken measures to reduce their Christmas expenditures.

These include councils like those in Somerset and Yorkshire, scaling back their festive budgets, with some opting for shorter display times and fewer lights to cut costs.

Others have even cancelled events altogether to manage tight budgets.

The cutbacks reflect a growing trend of austerity in festive spending as local authorities grapple with financial constraints.

But in South Holland that won’t be the case as Spalding’s councillors are chipping in to back this year’s festive display.

“There are plans. The tree is being purchased and councilors have joined in with designated ward budgets,” explained South Holland District Council’s deputy leader Gary Taylor.

“The majority of Spalding councillors are supporting this fund.”

Coun Taylor stepped in last year to ensure additional lights were added to the town centre display, which members of the public branded ‘awful’ following the 2022 switch on.

He joked to this paper he hoped those lights remain working order, but is looking forward to November 25’s festive event in the town, which will see the return of the Elf Trail and special guests including Santa and Rapunzel.

“There’s a lot taking place towards Christmas celebrations,” he added.

“The council’s working well with certain shops and the market to offer as much variety as possible and to make it a destination to shop this Christmas, a well as a place to celebrate.

“We’ve proven that events do work. They do bring communities into towns as you’ve seen with the Halloween event and the Flower Parade.”

Elsewhere across Lincolnshire, authorities are

South Kesteven District Council is planning a significant upgrade to Grantham’s Christmas lights display, following last year’s feedback, with the annual budget for Christmas lights currently set at £17,500, met by the Grantham Special Expense Area fund.

The council requested an additional £30,800 from the District’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund for infrastructure and to secure displays from Gala Lights for the next three Christmas periods.

Boston Borough Council, previously criticised for lacklustre Christmas festivities, is looking to rebuild its reputation with a significant investment of £64,721.57 in this year’s celebrations.

The City of Lincoln Council has come under scrutiny for cancelling the 40-year-old traditional Christmas Market.

But the inaugural Lincoln Ice Trail, featuring 20 ice sculptures, live ice-carving demonstrations, and a variety of Christmas entertainment, is set to take place on December 9 and 10.

The council’s investment of over £140,000 in new festive lighting aims to create a dazzling display throughout the city.

South Holland District Council was unable to confirm the financial investment into this year’s Christmas events prior to publication

North Kesteven and East Lindsey District Councils do not organise Christmas lighting or events themselves, instead delegating these responsibilities to town and parish councils.