It’s a bright Christmas in Cheltenham

Thursday November 30, 2017

We are really pleased with the response we’ve had from BID businesses to the Launch of Christmas in Cheltenham event.  Belinda Hunt, BID operations manager, said: “We’ve been delighted to introduce new lights to so many different parts of the town centre this year.

“As well as the new motifs, we’ve added extra lights to the trees on The Strand, The Promenade and Montpellier.”

The BID made a significant investment in bringing new lights and more entertainment to the Street Party which saw the town come to life on Saturday November 25. In partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council, we also played a major part in overseeing the installation process, working closely with the contractors at each stage.

Clem Fraser, Store Manager of Cavendish House said “The lights look amazing.  We have had so many compliments from our customers this evening”.

New features include a 3D sculpture at Boots Corner, attractive new motifs along the full-length of High Street, motifs and tree lights on The Promenade and a new LED Christmas Tree on Montpellier Terrace Roundabout. The Brewery Quarter also unveiled their new light display,

As part of the festivities, the BID ran a competition for a family of five to ride with Santa in his horse drawn carraige.  The family were transported in style from High Street, down The Promenade and into Montpellier.

The traditional Christmas theme in Montpellier saw people enjoying a rock choir, victorian opera singers and the Salvation Army Band as they followed a live Nativity.  Meanwhile, people were singing and dancing along to music in The Brewery Quarter.

Among those to praise the new displays was Margaret Cavanagh, of Neal’s Yard Remedies, who said: “What a triumph. The lights are really beautiful, there was a wonderful atmosphere in the town, everyone loved them.”

The BID plans to work with the council to improve the lights display still further in future years.

Terri Brewster, Chair of Cheltenham BID, said: “Improving the Christmas lights was highlighted as a key requirement of the town’s businesses when the BID was being set up.

“We see 2017 as the first step to further significant improvements next year and beyond as the town centre’s transformation is completed.”