Christmas lights are up in Bovingdon thanks to community fundraising efforts. Residents and businesses have to date raised £3000 to go towards the village’s display as part of Bovingdon Parish Council’s High Street Christmas Lights Appeal.
The fundraiser was set up on the 23rd October through Collection Pot, with the village surpassing its £2500 target within two weeks. Donations were received from many locals in addition to the numerous businesses that have sponsored the 16 lamp posts in the village. There have also been significant contributions from local companies IHP Ltd, Bell Farm Poultry Farm, local building contractor Chay Hedger Ltd and Kings Ace Cars.
There was no official lights switch on event this year due to Covid-19 but the lights went live on Sunday 29thNovember at 5pm, with two parish councillors in attendance.
Parish Council lights co-ordinator, councillor Alison Gunn, said: “The parish council is delighted that our wonderful local community has stepped in to make sure the Christmas lights will again be on display in Bovingdon High Street this festive season.
“Because of the Bovingdon location of ITV’s Dancing on Ice studio, we usually have a celebrity skater to perform our lights switch on. This year is different of course, and we don’t have our usual Christmas street fayre either.
“This is the third year of Christmas lights in Bovingdon and we were thrilled to reach our target so quickly. The Collection Pot stays open until the 6th January and the money left in the Pot will go towards the Christmas lights for next year.”