Businesses add sparkle to Christmas lights appeal
More than 40 business have donated to the Christmas lights
These are some of the faces of local businesses which have collectively donated more than £4,000 to ensure Honiton shines bright for Christmas.
So far, 43 businesses have contributed towards the purchase of Christmas lights - with the majority handing over £150.
With the festive period just around the corner, the cash boost will enable Go Festive and Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce to invest in new lights to twinkle in town for years to come.
It will be added to the remaining £2,000 which was made available for a Christmas lights display from Honiton Town Council and Lidl.
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The new lights could also prove to be the winning formula for increased tourism and winter trade. The first Christmas decorations went up in Honiton when colourful festive flags were erected on Sunday (November 16).
Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce chairman Colin Wright said: “We would like to say a really big thank you to all the shops who have supported the Christmas lights appeal - especially to those who supported us in not just monetary terms, but in help and assistance.
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“Otter Windows and Devon Freewheelers will be storing the lights for a year free of charge, and the electrician will be putting them up at a reduced rate.
“We are exceptionally pleased, especially when you look at other towns which have been struggling with their lights.”
The Christmas lights campaign has been fronted by several appeal organisers, including Honiton shop owner Mandy Newman.
She said: “It is down to the community support that this has happened – it has exceeded my wildest expectations.
“We are all really impressed with the support that has been shown. I think people have reacted in the right way and come together over this.
“If we were the only town in East Devon with no lights again, what would that say about us?”
Mr Wright added that the chamber now has ‘more money than lights’, and will be making some additional purchases next February.
He added: “We will be putting the money towards more lights, which will light up High Street and New Street.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring a light is urged to contact Mandy on 01404 45692.
