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Douglas could ditch Christmas Lights switch-on in 2019

Thu, 10 Jan 2019

Several Douglas Councillors have suggested the capital’s popular Christmas lights switch-on could be cancelled this year, due a lack of space and growing crowds.

During the most recent ceremony on John Street, areas surrounding the event became heavily congested, and people massed outside of barriers after council officers had to close all entry points.

A maximum of 3,741 people are allowed to attend under the Music and Dancing event licence.

The switch-on was held on Ridgeway Street in 2017, but was moved on the recommendation of the Event Safety Advisory Group.

At a meeting this week, councillors mulled over whether any alternative locations could be used, though many weren’t confident of a solution.

Council Leader David Christian said Douglas was running out of viable sites and attendances were increasing year on year.

He proposed that funds used for the event could be reinvested in other ways throughout the Christmas period.

No firm decision has been made on the event’s future yet, as council officers are investigating alternative locations along with any additional costs.

By Ewan Gawne - Local Democracy Reporting Service

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