Covid-19 calls off Maidenhead's big Christmas light switch event

THE big Christmas light switch event in Maidenhead town centre is off – but other plans are coming out of the pipeline.

Residents were meant to gather in the town centre this Saturday – but, like many other town centres across the country, many festive events have been called off due to Covid-19.

However, Maidenhead town manager Steph James said the Christmas lights will still be turned on and has compiled alternative plans and events for residents and businesses to still get involved with.

She said she is working with various groups, such as the Royal Borough and Windsor Museum, to make sure other events can still go ahead this year as well as showcasing the borough’s parks and open spaces for residents to enjoy if lockdown is extended.

She urged residents to make the borough to look “as festive as possible” where the council will be launching a competition later this month for residents to share and submit photos of their decorated homes.

A Christmas display version will also be launched for local businesses to get involved with.

An artisan market in Maidenhead was hoping to go ahead this year in the run-up to the festive season – but has been moved to an online format for crafters to showcase their work during the lockdown.