HRTC takes the reins on Christmas lights across Hebden Royd

From this year Hebden Royd Town Council (HRTC) are fully funding the provision of Christmas lighting across Hebden Royd.

Previously the decorations have been supplied and funded by HRTC, while Calderdale Council covered installation costs, electricity usage, and supplied the Christmas trees. However, recent financial cutbacks have led Calderdale Council to take the difficult but final decision to withdraw support for the community's Christmas lights.

Keen to continue the traditions of the festive season by making our towns attractive for residents, visitors and tourists, as of this year HRTC will be taking up the mantle:
'We appreciate that Calderdale Council has a duty to ringfence statutory services and direct funds where they are needed most. Without HRTC stepping in, our community would likely be facing the prospect of no Christmas lights this year, nor in the years to follow. We hope to find positives in taking on the responsibility, including progressing our strategic plan to upgrade outdated equipment, and bring it in-line with our sustainability objectives.' – Emma Green, Town Clerk.

In addition to taking on the new responsibility of lighting up Hebden Royd, as of this year, Crown Street, Albert Street, and Bridgegate in Hebden Bridge have been upgraded as HRTC looks to gradually modernise the lighting.

Working with professional lighting company Blachere Illuminations, the lights incorporate the brightest and most economical LED lights available on the market. They feature a 360-degree beam angle (as opposed to the 120 degree standard) meaning the lights really radiate and sparkle. In addition, the aesthetic qualities of the lights are not compromised by their energy efficiency.

Furthermore, the festive designs are made from biosourced GMO-free sugar cane. They are produced via. 3D Bio-Printing (where dehydrated bioethanol is injected into 3D printers to produce the colourful structures). This means that ultimately, when they reach their end of life, the displays are biodegradable and recyclable.

The lights were switched on as part of the annual Light Up the Valley events (23rd November, Mytholmroyd, and 28th November, Hebden Bridge) also funded by HRTC and delivered in partnership with the Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge.

The Town Council wishes everyone a very merry Christmas and hopes that the Christmas lights will help add festive cheer to our community.

Added Thursday 5 December 2024

Photos from Hebden Royd