'Sparkle and Shine' Herne Bay Christmas Lights Fund 2024

Aim- To provide Christmas lights in Herne Bay this year and to provide an ongoing fund for future displays and switch on events.

The Herne Bay Christmas Lights Team are a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year, to fundraise and organise the lights display, operating as part of the Herne Bay Coastal Community Team.

The reality is that behind the scenes there are lots of costs involved in the magical display that you see during the festive period. This year we have additional costs as the electric supply needs major upgrading to meet safety standards and a number of new lights need to be purchased to make sure the display continues to be fit for purpose. Along with this there is the cost of trees, contractors to install and remove the display and there are various insurances, planning permissions and other administration costs involved.

We estimate that that the costs of upgrading, installing the display and running the event this year will be in the region of 32K. We have already secured the support of Gala Lights to implement our plans for a more sustainable, environmentally friendly lights. They have agreed to provide the lights and as part of a three year deal will erect, take down, store and maintain the lighting for us. However our plan is to make the display even better and with your help would like to put more environmentally friendly Festoon lighting along Bank and Mortimer Street. Although the Christmas themed crossovers will be removed the Festoon lighting can remain and be used for other events and celebrations throughout the year.

We have would like to show our appreciation to Virgin Media who are our primary sponsor, All About Care a Secondary sponsor and Quinn Estates who have purchased the two Christmas Trees. Many thanks to these businesses and anybody who has supported Herne Bay Christmas Lights so far.

If we do not raise enough money this year then the fund will be rolled over for future years. Similarly if we raise more than our target we will use the additional money for future displays. In addition to community fundraising the team are also seeking corporate sponsorship and grants.

Please donate if you can, if we come together as a community we can continue to make sure that Herne bay will Sparkle and Shine in 2024 and beyond!

We thank you for your donations! You can keep up to date with all the Christmas lights news and events on our Facebook and Instagram pages and our website.