Light Up Cheltenham has been cancelled for 2021, the event organiser Cheltenham BID has confirmed.
The free event, which usually takes place across Cheltenham in February each year and attracts thousands of visitors, has been called off for 2021 due to the ongoing national lockdown in England.
In previous years, Light Up Cheltenham has seen 30 of the town’s most famous Regency buildings and landmarks lit up in spectacular colours throughout February – including Cheltenham Town Hall, the Municipal Offices, The Queen’s Hotel and the Neptune fountain.
There has also been a giant observation wheel in Imperial Gardens, with a launch event featuring street theatre drum group Spark! in 2020.
Due to the current lockdown restrictions and the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic, Cheltenham BID has decided to cancel this year’s event.
Operations manager for Cheltenham BID, Belinda Hunt, said: ‘When we launched Light Up Cheltenham, we knew it would be popular and draw people into town during the hours of darkness throughout February. We wanted something that would appeal to a wide demographic and support the Night Time Economy businesses.
‘We felt that the financial commitment to light up the town would not be a responsible use of levy-payer’s contributions, as the businesses the event is designed to benefit remain closed.’
