Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent on Christmas lights in Reading town centre, it has been revealed.
The Christmas lights in the town centre were switched on during a ceremony on Saturday, November 18, a day which saw a large number of shoppers descend on the town to watch the display.
The light decorations were brand new for this year, accompanied by circular features which celebrate the cultural heritage of Reading.
The features included a painting of Oscar Wilde, who was imprisoned at the Gaol, the Number 17 bus route and the painting of the Pharoah from the Black History Mural.
A six-figure sum has been spent on the Christmas lights this year, all of which was funded by the Business Improvement District (BID).
A representative of the BID revealed that £600,000 is being invested in Christmas lights over a five year period from 2024 to 2029.
That averages at £120,000 being spent on the lights each year.
Justifying the investment, a spokesperson for the BID said: "The Golden Quarter, as the last three months of the year are known in retail circles, is vital to the retail and hospitality sectors, with many retailers relying on the six weeks leading up to Christmas to make their annual profit or at least try to balance the books.
"In Reading town centre in November/December 2023, this equated to a consumer spend of over £57 million with more than six million visits during the period.
"With more online shopping, the impact of austerity and sales down nationally, it is vital that Reading looks its best for Christmas.
"To this end, Reading BID has provided Reading’s town centre lights for the last 17 years and this Christmas invested in a new Christmas lights scheme for 2024.
"The 800,000 LED festive lights, which will showcase the town’s history and cultural heritage, are just one part of the Reading Christmas offer provided by Reading BID, which also includes Christmas markets and a festive events programme.
"The lights alone equate to an investment in Reading of £600,000 over the 5 years of this current BID’s term (2024-29).
"An attractive Christmas lights display was a key priority identified by town centre retailers and other businesses as part of the Reading BID consultation in 2023.
"The BID is now delivering on that mandate to ensure Reading town centre is the most attractive Christmas location in the region, attracting both local and out of area shoppers and revellers to experience Christmas all wrapped up!"
A BID is funded from a levy paid by businesses which occupy a district's area.
They exist for five-year terms and can only be renewed in a vote by member businesses.
This year, 88 per cent of businesses in the Reading Central BID voted for it to continue.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel