Photo: Erica Davenport

Future of Ambleside Christmas Lights event in jeopardy amid soaring costs and funding shortfalls

Ambleside Christmas Lights 2026 – Event Update

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Further to the previous communication regards the ongoing viability of Ambleside Christmas Lights, the committee is pleased to confirm that our annual Christmas lights switch-on event will be going ahead this year.

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The event originally began many years ago as a simple community celebration, centred on Santa casting his magic dust to switch on the lights and illuminate our town through the darker winter months. We are returning to those traditional roots this year, focusing fully on the magical switch-on parade and therefore there will be no firework display.

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This decision comes as a result of significantly rising operational costs across the board, alongside the ongoing need to repair and replace aging infrastructure. In addition, mandatory requirements for us to double our insurance coverage has created a substantial new financial burden on our budget.

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By scaling back on the fireworks, we can safeguard the core event, invest directly in essential equipment, and ensure that our town remains beautifully illuminated for residents, visitors, and local businesses throughout the festive season.

We remain immensely grateful for the continued support of our community, volunteers, and local sponsors who make this event possible year after year.

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Warm regards,

The Ambleside Christmas Lights Committee