Chesterfield Borough Council cancels Christmas lights switch-on and bonfire night events

As of Monday, September 14, central government put a ban on gatherings of more than six people due to the risk of spreading Covid-19, with some exemptions for weddings, workplaces and schools.

This makes gatherings for firework events and Christmas light switch-ons illegal, if the policy remains in force during the times the events are typically held.

Thousands of residents across Derby and Derbyshire gather each year to attend local Christmas lights switch-on events, often accompanied by food and drink stalls.

Alongside this, many councils, whether at a city, district, town or parish level, also hold fireworks displays and bonfire night gatherings during October and November.

However, many of these are now being cancelled already or are hanging in limbo pending the spread of the virus.

And Chesterfield Borough Council has already taken the decision cancel both its Christmas lights switch-ons and bonfire night celebrations.

Coun Kate Sarvent, said: “In July we made the difficult decision to cancel our fireworks extravaganza and Christmas lights switch-on.

"I understand that lots of people will be very disappointed by this decision – but safety has to be our number one priority.

“We know how important these events are to our residents, traders and retailers but due to restrictions these cannot take place.

"We are currently working hard to look at how we can support some festive activity in the town centre, in line with the latest government guidance.

“In light of the current coronavirus restrictions, we are not expecting any public firework events to take place this year.”