The Christmas decorations in a city centre are a bit like they can be at home – potentially controversial, as everybody has an opinion.

This year we’ve bought new lights for the city centre and sold the old ones to our colleagues in Cinderford. We’ve gone for white lights in a chandelier style, which were the clear winners following public consultation. They’ve replaced the blue lights we’ve had since 2006.

Until fairly recently, Gloucester had the same Christmas lights for many years, which looked pretty dated. They were replaced by new rope lights designed by children as an art project in 2005 – which attracted some criticism and were only used for one year. In 2006 we bought new lights, but these got delayed on a lorry in Slovakia, so the switch-on event had to take place without the lights themselves! Remember that?

A new kissing arch decked with mistletoe
At the time of writing, the new lights had been delivered and were starting to go up. The switch-on event has, for the last few years, been a lantern procession involving local schools and others, running through the gate streets and ending up in the Cathedral for a short, informal service.

We also have the Rotary Club of Gloucester’s Tree of Light switch-on outside the Guildhall at 6pm on Thursday 3rd December being performed by former Dynasty star Emma Samms. There will also be a tree in Kings Square, along with a new innovation – a kissing arch decked with mistletoe where lovers (or just good friends) can have their picture taken getting into the festive spirit (an idea we picked up from Hereford). Our mascot for Gloucester 2015 “Scrumpty” will also make a special Christmas appearance!

So, with markets, concerts and events taking place all over – including in the city centre, at the Cathedral and Gloucester Quays – it looks like being a bumper Christmas in Gloucester. Please take some time to look at the new lights in the gate streets. I hope you like them! A very happy Christmas to you and your family.