More than £30,000 is spent on Christmas lights in Wokingham town centre, the Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal.
As we gear up for another festive season, Freedom of Information data revealed a total of £30,968 has been spent on lights, decorations and trees in the town centre this year.
This includes 26 Christmas trees, new lights and maintenance.
While the provision of trees, lights and storage for the main Christmas tree outside Wokingham Town Hall cost the council £27,064 this year, a further £3,904 was spent on replacing lights for existing trees.
Wokingham Town Council said this only makes up 1.7% of its overall budget.
A spokesperson for the authority said: “The town council sees the provision of the Christmas tree and lights as an important part of making sure the town feels welcoming for both residents and visitors at this time of year.
“As such, it supports local businesses by encouraging footfall in the town.”
The Christmas tree lights are switched on officially during the Wokingham Winter Carnival.
Schools are also invited to the ‘Dressing the Christmas tree’ event on December 2, where children can make decorations for the tree and present it to the Mayor.
There has been no increase in costs since a contract was awarded in 2022.
Wokingham Town council said it does not expect the costs to increase further in the future.
Wokingham Borough Council is encouraging residents to visit the town centre this December by extending free bus services on six Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.
The authority is also planning to suspend parking fees for the Woodley Christmas Extravaganza on December 1, and the Wokingham Winter Carnival on November 24.
Christmas lights across the Wokingham Borough are organised and paid for by parish or town councils.
As the town council is a separate body from the borough council, its spending on Christmas lights has no bearing on the higher authority’s finances.
