Ferndown | Posted on November 19th, 2025 | return to news

Christmas lights return to Pennys Walk in Ferndown

Residents of Ferndown were surprised to find Tesco Christmas lights hung up along the pedestrianised shopping street of Pennys Walk.

Residents of Ferndown were left disappointed in 2024 over the lack of Christmas lights along Pennys Walk and the clocktower. They were then frustrated to find out in August that the town council and Tesco were unable to reach an agreement over putting up lights for this December, meaning the pedestrianised shopping street would be left bare once again.

But on Thursday 13 November, residents were surprised to find that Christmas lights had been strung up all the way along Pennys Walk, in preparation to be turned on at the upcoming Christmas Lights Switch-On event and market on Saturday 29 November.

It turns out the new lights have been installed by none other than Tesco itself.

A spokesperson for the supermarket said: “We have installed Christmas lights at our Ferndown Superstore and Pennys Walk to help the community celebrate the festive season.”

Tesco added that it was sorry it was unable to reach an agreement with Ferndown Town Council earlier in year regarding the installation of lights in Pennys Walk, stating that it needed to ensure they were put up safely.

Ferndown Town Council welcomed the newly installed lights. In a statement, the town council said: “Ferndown Town Council officers were pleased to see that Christmas lights have been installed in Pennys Walk, bringing some early festive cheer to the area.

“Following discussions with the local store manager at Tesco, we can confirm that the lights above the retail units in Pennys Walk were installed by Tesco through their managing agent.

“We welcome this contribution and are delighted that the retail side of Pennys Walk will also be illuminated in time for the Rotary’s ‘Christmas in Ferndown’ event on Saturday 29 November.

“We hope residents and visitors join us in thanking Tesco for this, and enjoy the enhanced festive atmosphere.”

The Rotary’s ‘Christmas in Ferndown’ event will take place from 11am in Pennys Lodge Car Park and will feature stalls, food, live music and entertainment. The Mayor of Ferndown, Cllr Lawrence Wilson, will turn on the town’s lights at 5pm.