Christmas Lights
For many years Sandy has enjoyed Christmas illuminations in the town centre. In 2012 the Town Council took over the responsibility for the illuminations and entered into a three year agreement with an independent contractor for Christmas lights. The contract for the provision of Christmas Lights was put out to tender in 2016 and an agreement for a further three years was entered into. In 2019 the Town Council will go out to tender again for a new agreement on the provision, installation and storage of new illuminations. The lights are funded by the Town Council.
In 2013 the Council set up the Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights. This group of local volunteers planned and organised the annual lights and a community event to mark the switch on. The funding raised by the Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights and any donations or sponsorship which the group secured was used to fund the Christmas tree, future lights and the lights event itself. The Group was made up of councillors and community volunteers.
In 2017 the Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights became entirely independant of the Town Council as it set up as a Charity in its own right. While the Town Council continues to arrange and fund the Christmas lights and tree, the light switch on event is organised and funded by the Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights, who fundraise throughout the year.
Since 2017 the Council has continued to work with the Christmas Lights group to provide this service, which is a highlight of the town's year.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID19 pandemic the switch on event had to be cancelled in 2020. The Council switched the lights on earlier than usual to bring some extra cheer.
If you are interested in joining the Friends of Sandy Christmas Lights you can contact the group at [email protected]