A COMMUNITY group is already busy making plans to ensure that their Christmas lights switch-on event for 2024 is brighter and better than ever before.
Annan Christmas Lights Committee has submitted a bid to the Annan Common Good Fund to receive £2000 to invest in 15 fancy new light decorations.
And while Christmas Day is still another 33 weeks away, the group’s members are hopeful of securing the council funding next week.
The application will go before Annan Common Good Fund sub committee next week where councillors will be asked to approve the cash handout.
A report, due to be presented at the meeting, states: “Annan Christmas Light switch on and display is an important event in the towns calendar and the group want to create a display that the residents will be proud of and showcases not only Annan but the wider region.
“Since 2014 the group have spent over £37,000 on new lights and replacing old lights and they wish to maintain the high standards set.
“This annual event brings great community spirit and also helps the economy due to higher footfall on the high street and by encouraging the local businesses to get involved with discount schemes and promotions that make the town fun and inviting to travel to.
“Funds would be used for the following: purchase of additional five wall lights – estimated at £1500, and purchase of icicle lights, ten x £91 = £910.”
With VAT included, the total cost of the lights purchase would be £2892. The group will be fronting the remaining £892.
Councillors have been advised that there is a balance of £7673 free income available in Annan Common Good Fund.
The council papers state that Common Good Funds are “for the purpose of benefiting the inhabitants of The Royal Burgh of Annan.”
It continues: “If the applications to the Annan Common Good Fund were not considered, the council would be failing in its duty to consider the interests of the inhabitants of Annan.”
Annan shines at Christmas time each year thanks to a small group of local volunteers who organise, maintain, and fundraise to provide the festive lights in the town.
Last year, they organised a special lantern parade down the High Street that preceded the lights switch-on.
