Southwold: Committee group to raise funds to light up town

Light Up Southwold has set about fundraising in order to buy lights, decoration and trees to be displayed at Christmas time.

After a "diabolical non-event" last year, a group was formed to try and make Southwold a destination to celebrate over the 2023 festive period.

One of the committee members, Nikki Huggins, said: "Last year's non-event light switch on was absolutely diabolical.

Nikki Huggins, one of the committee members. Credit: Nikki Huggins (Image: Nikki Huggins)

"The old lights had diminished and people had got fed up with it, but people were busy and naturally disbanded from trying to change things.

"Two people however last year managed to gain around £5,000 to get new lights, which is all we had and basically covered the end of the market square in the town.

"Everyone got on Facebook and started moaning about it, and someone posted to organise a meeting with residents and businesses to discuss how to make Southwold better in future.

"It is a community that really deserves a nice event like a light switch on.

"We want to have a switch-on event with stalls, Father Christmas in a grotto, a stage where the children's choir and others can sing carols."

Southwold will be lit up at Christmas. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The group has set up a fundraiser to raise money to be able to afford everything, and they are also hosting events throughout the year to raise money such as quizzes and raffles.

Nikki continued: "The community has been great, everyone has been fantastic and businesses helping raise money.

"The spirit is starting to rise in the town and everyone is getting behind the group."

To donate to the fundraiser click here, and to find out more about the project click here.