Controversy over Ramsey's Christmas lights

Commissioners respond to online criticism

Residents in Ramsey have expressed disappointment in the town’s Christmas lights, with some people taking to social media in criticism of the commissioners behind the display.

Following an investment of £26k in 2019, in the last couple of years commissioners there have opted to divert a relatively small portion of their budget to annual improvements – rather than the revamp called for by some on social media.

“Lights are pretty dismal again“, commented one person; “is Ramsey’s Christmas spirit forever going to go up in smoke?”, asked another.

While the pandemic has put paid to any noticeable changes to the town’s display, with only essential maintenance being undertaken – should the commission be considering a different approach?

Finance Lead Juan McGuinness says it’s a topic being discussed in a Northern Irish town he recently visited, where last year commissioners controversially voted to make a large investment in their Christmas display:

Geoff Court is the lead member for leisure; he says it’s not simply a question of lights, but the experience as a whole, and extending the display into the new year could be considered in future: