Matlock Bath's Illuminations were under threat of closing this year after the district council, which funds the event, suffered a cut in government grant.

But so far 20 businesses in Matlock Bath have offered to help support the annual Illuminations and residents have raised £150 in a guess the name of the bear competition in the hope that the event will continue for years to come.

During a Derbyshire Dales District Council meeting last week councillors showed support for the illuminations and voted to raise the entry price from £3 to £4 and £3.50 for pensioners to stop it running at a loss of £38,000. Traders may also be given a window sticker which can be displayed to show they are supporting the event.

During the meeting Cllr Geoff Stevens said: "I think the traders realise that this is the way they needed to go. It is very important that we do work with the traders and make sure they illuminations are there for the future."

Councillors said they would like to make the event more secure for the future and Cllr Janet Goodison suggested that a group was set up to organise funding every year.

She added: "I would like to see Matlock Bath Lights with a permanent footing so that we do not have this decision every year."

She said the recent uncertainty was bad for morale and for the advertising of the event.

Dave Brooks, director of planning and development services, added that securing sponsorship for the illuminations had been difficult because people were unsure whether the event would go ahead.

The change to the entry cost is predicted to raise an additional £12,000 but the event would still run at a loss this year. Council bosses are hoping to secure a total of £13,000 from traders towards the running of the illuminations.


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