More than £30,000 is spent on Christmas lights in Wokingham town centre, the Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal.

As we gear up for another festive season, Freedom of Information data reveals a total of £30,968 has been spent on lights, decorations and trees in the town-centre this year.

This includes 26 Christmas trees, brand new lights and maintenance and repairs for across the town.

While the provision of trees, lights and storage for the main ten-metre tree outside of Wokingham Town Hall cost the council £27,064 this year, a further £3,904 was spent on replacing lights on existing trees.

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Wokingham Town Council says this only makes up 1.7 per cent of its overall budget.

A spokesperson from the authority said: “The town council sees the provision of the Christmas tree and lights as an important part of asking sure the town feels welcoming to both residents and visitors at this time of year.

As such it supports local businesses by encouraging footfall in the town.”

The Christmas tree lights are switched on officially during the Lions Winter Carnival.

Schools are also invited to the ‘Dressing the Christmas tree’ event on December 2, where children can make decorations for the tree and present it to the Mayor.

There has been no increase in costs since a contract was tendered with a company providing the light and trees in 2022.

Wokingham Town council says it does not expect the costs to increase further in the future.

Wokingham Borough Council are encouraging residents to visit the town centre this December by extending free bus services on most weekends.

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The authority is also looking to suspend parking fees for the Woodley Christmas Extravaganza on December 21 and the Wokingham Winter Carnival on November 24.

The Wokingham Winter Carnival, organised by Wokingham Lions club, will have a host of street entertainment, music, singing and dancing.

A total of 125 food and drink stalls, funfair rides and places to buy Christmas presents will be at the carnival in Wokingham town centre.

It will be closed for traffic during the festivities on November 24.

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Parents can also take their children to visit Santa’s Grotto.

Christmas lights across the Wokingham Borough are organised and paid for by parish or town councils.

As the town council is a separate body from the borough council, it’s spending on Christmas lights has no bearing on the higher authority’s finances.