Newark Christmas lights switch-on date announced

The date for this year’s Newark Christmas lights switch-on has been confirmed, coronavirus restrictions permitting.

The town council is monitoring the covid situation and working alongside Newark and Sherwood District Council to ensure the event can happy safely if it is to be held in public.

It is acknowledged that a physical event can only take place in the Market Place if the safety advisory group agrees to it and if no further covid restrictions are brought in between now and November.

Last year’s event had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, and was filmed and put out live to the town on Facebook.

There are plans to film it again and release an edited version on social media for all of those that are uncomfortable with attending such a large gathering or are unable to go along.

Last year’s screening was viewed as a success with 12,000 views, many more than are able to watch in person.

Bob Crowe, a member of the town council’s finance and general purposes committee, wanted a reassurance that the event would be covid-safe rather than a covid-spreader before agreeing that it would be an in-person event.

“A lot of work needs doing before we can call it a physical event and yet I want it to be a physical event,” said Mr Crowe.

Town clerk Alan Mellor agreed and said more people would attend the lights switch-on than Newark Festival, adding that a series of meetings had already started with the district council.

Should it happen, there will be stalls around the edge of the Market Place and a fairground and entertainment.

The event would begin at 11am and end around 5pm.

Committee member Gill Dawn said it was valuable to be able to watch the event online, irrespective of coronavirus, for all of those in care homes or families with very young children.

“No to be a party pooper, but live is risky,” said David Lloyd.

“I am uncomfortable with something being broadcast effectively globally that can’t be undone. I think it’s safer to record and then release.”

Diane Ledger agreed and said there was a risk of some people, possibly in drink, seeking their five minutes of fame.

Members of the town council’s finance and general purposes committee was told there will be a new addition to the display this year to the centre of the Market Place this year that they want to keep a secret for now.

It will take place on Sunday, November 28.