Town Christmas lights will go on as fundraiser steps down

CHRISTMAS has come early for the organisers of the St Peter Port festive lights after securing enough funding to put on the display this year.

Christmas lights will adorn the streets of St Peter Port again this year thanks to the efforts of fundraising committee chairwoman Jax Robin and her team, but she is stepping down after five years in the voluntary role. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 30028303)

Despite having a bit more of a struggle to raise funds than in previous years, St Peter Port Christmas Lights charity chairwoman Jax Robin was delighted that the £36,000 target budget now been reached.

‘We have finally got the funding together and we’ll have a Town full of lights,’ Ms Robin said.

On 10 October, qualified contractors from Event Services will begin the six-week process of putting up the lights, in time for the 27 November switch-on.

It follows a fundraising drive that began in July. Ms Robin said the fifth year of the Guernsey Post door-to-door envelope drop had been successful once again, as well as money being donated by other sponsors.

She said this year had seen an increase in people paying online and through PayPal and hoped that donations would continue to come in. The charity usually raises about £50,000 to ensure costs of fixing lights are also covered.

‘The lights are important for everybody’s wellbeing and happiness at Christmas,’ she said.

After a difficult year for many shops, Ms Robin said the lights were also very important for the economy.

‘They are also vitally important for the economy of the High Street – they draw people into Town, with the late night shopping evenings also supporting retail and hospitality.

‘It would be disastrous without the lights.’

After five years chairing the Christmas Lights charity, and having been involved before that, Ms Robin is seeking to step down from her role over the next few months.

‘I’ve been the face and voice of the Christmas lights for five years,’ she said.

‘It’s a challenge, but it’s also very rewarding.’

She emphasised the importance of conveying a consistent message and raising awareness of the importance of the lights.

‘I want to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the charity for the last five years,’ she added.

‘I’m very humbled for everyone’s continuous support and I wish whoever takes over as chairman success.’

n A quiz on 13 November, which has already sold out, will be the first fundraising event for next year’s lights.