Braintree Christmas light switch

Jul 21, 2023

MARKET traders in Braintree claim “Christmas has been cancelled” after council bosses said there will be no lights switch-on event this year.

The Christmas lights switch-on is a highlight of the festive calendar each year.

Last year, Radio Essex’s presenters Martin and Su were on hand to do the honours on the big day.

But this year, Braintree Council says it “cannot support an official switch-on”.

In a statement, the council said: “We are holding our usual series of Christmas Markets, helping to attract people into the town.

“We also look forward to installing some Christmas lights and a Christmas tree in the town centre, but unfortunately due to budgetary constraints and the cost-of-living crisis we cannot support an official switch-on and stage this year.

“We recognise this will be a disappointment to some, however, the council has taken the decision to prioritise our limited funding on delivering key services to residents.

“Instead, we are looking to promote our small independent businesses in the town with their own events and helping to encourage our residents and tourists to shop local.”

The news has shaken market traders across the town.

Olivia Washington runs Olivia’s Curiosities, which specialises in fabric, haberdashery and handmade art.

Olivia has been doing Braintree’s street markets since 2019 and is furious about the cancellation.

They accused the council of “cancelling Christmas”.

“This is a huge event and some of the biggest takers us small businesses have,” said Olivia.

“The decision to cancel the event is affecting High Street shops as well, like Velvet Sunrise, a staple of Braintree town centre.

“The plans for this year means there will be no event, and it is the event which typically brings people in.

“Street markets don’t reopen until March and this time off really affects takings, as people aren’t shopping much in the New Year.

“The Christmas boost is something so many traders rely on for their own holiday celebration - without it could mean they won’t get one.

"It feels like they have cancelled Christmas."

Olivia continued: “We don’t need a big grand event. Last year we had Martin and Su, but we don’t need them.

“A four-year-old doesn’t care who switches them on.

“The fountain end of the High Street is doing an event on November 25, so why not twin it with that?

“The council could even ask us traders for help.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t try everything possible to save the market I love.

“It is my livelihood and I won’t stand for it.”

The council spokesman added: "Instead of specific activities on a switch on day, we will be promoting our small independent businesses in the town with their own events and helping to encourage our residents and visitors to shop local.

"However, we will also do our best to support any businesses and traders who might want to organise and fund a stage and count down event themselves – such as the Fountain End event which has taken place the past few years.

"The Christmas markets, just like the street markets we run through the rest of the year, are always busy and enjoyable events.

@This is due to our amazing traders who come out on the day and we hope that they will continue to do so and that our residents and visitors continue to support the many talented local traders and businesses we have in the district.”

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