By Callum Wright
Some market stall holders at Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland have said the city “misses” having the celebrity-filled, grand Christmas light switch on events that used to be held at Old Market Square.
But the organisation behind the current facilities say they do a good job of bringing people into the city to “make a weekend” of their visit.
In previous years, Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland and light displays had been kicked off and inaugurated with a spectacular event, with thousands packing the square to watch.
Special guests would appear amid the masses of people to push the switch, with celebrities like the late Sven Goran Eriksson and Richard Whitehead MBE taking part.
It also featured musical performances, with Take That appearing on the square in the 1990s to launch an exciting fireworks display on the Council House.
Since 2017, however, a grand light switch-on event has not been held for the Winter Wonderland, with the fireworks and guests shelveed in favour of a more low-key affair.
The 2024 light switch-on was launched by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Carole McCulloch (Lab) and featured some ice skating performances and street entertainment, and hundreds packed into the remaining space on the square to see the tree light up.
Lucy Hall, who owns craft company Juicy Glass, has been selling her products at the market for 10 years and says the old switch-on events are a loss for the community.
She said: “As a community thing, it was something that everyone looked forward to and it was a good thing.
“I didn’t like the fireworks but that’s just a personal preference as a community event though I think it is missed.”
Rachel Pearson, owner of the famous Yorkshire Pudding Wrap stall at the forefront of the market, added: “Sometimes it’s best to keep things low key, but everybody likes big extravagant things, especially around Christmas time.”
Mansfield is another place where the light switch on has been scaled down, with Mansfield District Council stating ‘financial constraints’ as the reason.
The authority has previously invited celebrities like East 17 and Tinchy Stryder to perform and press the button, with thousands packing into Market Place.
Smaller events – featuring local choirs and a brass band – will take place instead.
However, towns across the county are still holding switch-on events, and councils in those areas are promising to continue running them for future years.
The West Bridgford light event has been popular for several years and will take place on Saturday, November 23 from midday.
Rushcliffe Borough Council says it will remain that way.
“It [the light switch on] has always been a very popular event, attracting large crowds to the town centre every year and we plan to continue the event,” the Conservative-run council said.
When asked about whether the demise of Nottingham’s event had affected its own, it said: “The two events are different and distinctive given their relative sizes and whilst the West Bridgford event is as popular as ever, attendance hasn’t been affected directly by Nottingham’s event not operating.”
There are also several events taking place across Ashfield, with Hucknall, Sutton and Kirkby taking part in the festivities.
Cllr Helen Ann-Smith (Ash Ind), Ashfield District Council’s deputy leader, said: “Our Christmas lights switch-ons are hugely popular every year and thousands attend to enjoy an evening of festive fun and entertainment.
“For many, it is the start of their Christmas celebrations and a chance for schools and community groups across Ashfield to showcase their talent.
“We have plans to continue these events every year in our three town centres and are supporting more events in our local villages too.
“The light switch-ons are mainly attended by the residents of Ashfield, but everyone is welcome to come and see what amazing things Ashfield has to offer as we keep working to improve our proud District.
“Nottingham city cancelling their lights does not impact what we have going on here in our District.”
However, James Mellors Sr – a director of Nottingham-based The Mellors Group which runs the Winter Wonderland – says the current Christmas facilities are great for the city.
Speaking at the official launch on Thursday (November 14), he told Notts TV: “This market is all made here in Nottingham, every building you see in the Winter Wonderland is all made by Nottingham people – and that makes me proud.
“We’ve been a leader and things have happened in London – but we started it here in Nottingham, and that makes me proud, as I’m a Bulwell lad.
“It livens the city up and we get people come down, they have a look at the shops and make a day – or a weekend of it – and that’s so nice because we’ve got all the live entertainment and skating in the city centre.”
