There has been a mixed reaction to the news that there won't be an official ceremony to turn on Nottingham's Christmas lights this year. The festive decorations will be illuminated without fanfare on the opening day of the Winter Wonderland Christmas market in Old Market Square on November 15.
The switch-on has been low-key for the last couple of years due to Covid and even before that it was scaled back by Nottingham City Council due to the expansion of Winter Wonderland and less space for crowds to gather.
The news followed the announcement that 90s boyband East 17 will be switching on the lights in Mansfield. Commenting on Nottinghamshire Live's Facebook page Phil Castello said: "I think Nottingham has had a bit of a result not getting East 17."
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Out on the streets of Nottingham retired Liz Blear, 77, of Bilborough, said: “Well it would be nice to have the Christmas ceremony back. But if they’re going to spend it on something else, we want to know what they’ll spend it on, they never seem to make anything clear.”
Dennis Shelter, 60, Strelley, said: "My opinion depends on how much it would cost. If they had enough, I’d say why not? But since they don’t have enough, it’s the right decision”
“I think it’s the right thing to do. The country is already in shambles. We don’t need ceremonies like these to make it worse,” said Jackie Lawyer, 58, Sneinton.
Reader Joya commented: "I think it's a cop out, the least the council could do because of lockdown, to give the people of Nottingham something to cheer us, nothing for the elderly! Meanwhile GrannyM reflected: "A big wheel does not portray Christmas."
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