South Swindon Parish Council to supply town centre Christmas tree as Borough Council reallocates funds
New collaboration enhances festive activities in Swindon town centre
This year, Swindon's town centre Christmas tree will be funded and provided by South Swindon Parish Council as Swindon Borough Council diverts its resources to other festive activities.
According to minutes from a Community and Culture Meeting on 1st September, South Swindon Parish Council plans to use its Community Projects reserve to place a Christmas tree for the town centre.
Since 2021, the Parish Council has installed Christmas trees in various community locations, including Cavendish Square and Broadgreen, with the new tree being fitted with 2500 LED lights and protected by a decorative fence.
Initially planned to be placed at the Lawn Community Centre, permissions for this site remain incomplete, prompting a reassessment in favour of the town centre installation.
Swindon Borough Council requested greater Parish Council involvement in town centre Christmas activities, seen as a viable contribution amidst plans for a future Business Improvement District handling installations from 2027.
While Swindon's Christmas lights are supported in collaboration with the Old Town Business Association, new governmental guidance necessitates installing costs and preparatory work, such as load testing by a structural engineer.
Councillor Matthew Vallender expressed gratitude to South Swindon Parish Council for tree provisions, enabling the borough to focus funding on festive activities like lantern-making workshops and art installations.
The councils aim to drive town centre activity, supporting existing businesses and fostering increased footfall through planned markets and collective cultural efforts.