Mansfield council cuts Christmas lights switch on event to save money

Mansfield's light switch ons have been very popular in previous years (Photo: MDC)
By Henry Green
Mansfield District Council has cut the town’s Christmas lights switch-on event this year to save money.
The authority announced on Friday there would be no event in 2024 because it is facing a series of financial constraints – although some seasonal entertainment will still go ahead in December.
In January the council announced plans for sweeping cuts and council tax rises to close a £5 million budget gap over three years by reducing events, closing public toilets and cutting budgets.
The labour-run authority also recently announced plans to launch legal action over fire safety defects at a London apartment block that left it facing a £20 million bill.
In January, Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams (Lab) said the council has “tough choices” to keep financial stability, but insisted it wasn’t “all doom and gloom”.
Last year, the town’s lights were switched on by 90s boy band East 17.
In recent years, the switch-on ceremony event has attracted thousands of visitors with DJs and a variety of music acts playing. The event also featured firework displays.
However, sponsors and support from partners mean the council will still have seasonal events such as live performances, craft markets and Santa’s grotto.
One of the main events will be Mansfield’s Cosy Christmas on Saturday 23 November with live performances from a local choir and brass band.
Executive Mayor Andy Abrahams said: “This year, Christmas in Mansfield will be all about the community coming together to spread the seasonal spirit throughout the festive period and about showing the spirit of ‘Our Mansfield’ and helping out in difficult times.
“By working with partners we will be delivering a timetable jam-packed with family entertainment which should keep the town centre busy, vibrant and full of life.
“We are incredibly grateful and encouraged by how business and community groups have come together to ensure we will have a Christmas to remember in Mansfield this year.”
The town will also host the pantomime Aladdin at the Palace Theatre in December.
For more details about Christmas events in Mansfield, visit their website.