A scaled back Christmas lights switch-on will go ahead in a Lake District town this year following safety fears.
The number of people who attended Keswick’s November event last year prompted a consultation being launched by the town council to review its format.
Traditionally the switch-on takes place on a Friday but this year’s event will take place on Wednesday November 18, says an events committee report.
The report’s author, Cllr Louise Dunn told the January meeting of the town council that she was at the front of the stage during the 2025 switch-on and she had found it frightening and did not want to be in that position again.
She presented the results of the recent public consultation to the events committee and reported that there had been more than 400 respondents.
Her report said that 75 per cent of responders supported simplifying the event and 17 per cent wished the event to remain in its current format.
The committee considered the survey feedback and discussed the presence of glass containers and dogs in the Market Square during the switch-on.
Committee members heard that the most popular suggestion was to prohibit them while the event is in progress and members agreed to explore the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order to restrict glass receptacles and canines during the event.
It was also agreed that the town council consults with Cumberland Council regarding the provision of enforcement officers and investigate restricting dogs in the Market Square between 5pm and 7pm, potentially through stewarded entry points.
It was felt this could be achieved with help from Rotary, Lions and potentially volunteers from the town’s rugby club.
The committee agreed to liaise with local schools regarding choir participation and incorporate Packhorse Court entertainment into the main event to give the event a more traditional format. It was also agreed that a smaller stage would create additional space.
The accessible area by the stage will be retained and improved management arrangements put in place.
The committee is also considering a designated area for young children while it was also decided that the committee explore more traditional alternatives to the small funfair such as a Santa’s grotto or lantern parade. A decision on this will be made at a later date.
The possibility of implementing a one-way pedestrian system is to be investigated while Cumberland Council is to be approached about a proposal to remove the market stalls.
