Ringwood | Posted on December 5th, 2024 | return to news
Ringwood Christmas lights disappoint residents
Despite the success of Saturday’s Winter Wanderland, the town’s festive lights have not lived up to expectations.
Despite the success of ‘Winter Wanderland’ on Saturday 30 November, Ringwood’s Christmas lights display have failed to live up to expectations. In some parts of the town, such as Southampton Road and The Gateway, the Christmas lights were not put up in time for Saturday’s event and were still not fully installed days later.
Residents took to social media after the switch-on event to express their frustration regarding the lacklustre displays. In comments on the Ringwood UK Noticeboard Facebook group, the lights were described as underwhelming, unimaginative and disappointing. One commenter, Audrey Barrett, said: “Very poor Xmas lights in Ringwood this year, very disappointing. Surely the town council can do better than that?”
This year’s lights were compared unfavourable to displays in previous years. Another commenter, Lynda Shelton, described the displays as the “worst Christmas lights ever.”
Ringwood Town Council issued a statement on Wednesday 4 December, announcing that they too were disappointed.
The council said: “Ringwood Town Council is deeply concerned that this year’s Christmas Lights Display falls far below the standard expected. The appointed contractor failed to complete installation in time or to meet the specification.
“The contractor is being pressed to resolve the deficiencies as soon as possible. The Council is looking to its legal remedies under its display contract. Further information will be given as soon as it is clearer what will be done.”
Ringwood Cllr John Haywood revealed that the council had chosen the same contractor that had successfully deliver the town’s lights for the last five years. He said: “Naturally we’re devastated that things currently do not measure up to residents’ expectations.
“Please bear with us while your council works hard to ensure that this is delivered to our specification – we hope that this will be achieved and that our town’s lights will look even better than before.”
Fingers crossed the lights will be up in time for this weekend’s festive events, in which the Furlong Shopping Centre will feature live music, a mistletoe archway, a Christmas crafts igloo and a chance to meet Father Christmas.
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