THE organisers of Chippenham’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event have defended certain aspects of the event this morning (Monday) following heavy criticism online over the weekend.
Many who attended the event took to Facebook and Twitter throughout Saturday evening and Sunday, critical of the lack of stalls, fairground rides and Christmas atmosphere.
Heavy wind and rain saw the newly introduced land train cancelled as well as the planned Christmas market.
It wasn't just the weather that was damp at the #Chippenham lights switch-on. Zero atmosphere.
— Saskia Alice (@SaskiaAlice) November 28, 2015
But thousands did brave the weather to see the much-changed format of the Christmas Lights event which centered on a stage across the town bridge rather than the market place outside the Angel Hotel.
Melody Thompson, Chair of Chippenham BID, said: “We are disappointed that due to the adverse weather conditions unfortunately we had to cancel a number of activities that were planned for the Chippenham Christmas light switch on.
“Most of the family based activities still took place they were simply moved undercover into Emery Gate, The Museum and the Town Library and hundreds of children enjoyed the temporary Roller Disco in the Neeld Community & Art Centre.
“However, the land train which was intended to be an exciting new activity for families, had to be cancelled due to the strong winds and rain as was the Christmas market.
“We understand that our decisions to cancel certain aspects of the event will be unpopular however, as the event organiser our first priority had to be ensuring the safety of the general public. We had professional people on site at all times advising us and we believe we made the right decisions on the evening.”
#chippenham light switch on was simple terrible!! What a pile of rubbish, have a rethink guys for goodness sake
— Hannah Bee Griffin (@DaisyMaeBee) November 28, 2015
Many comments made on Facebook and Twitter criticised the temporary closure of the town bridge, the main route into the town from New Road.
“In terms of access to the site, many people have said they were unhappy with the temporary bridge closure into the high street however, our decision was taken in discussion with the emergency services and we left the closure as late as feasibly possible on the evening,” the statement added.
“We also had marshalls directing people and we had promoted the access routes in all the literature about the event in advance of the evening.
"Ultimately, we had to keep the access clear in case there was a need for an emergency vehicle to gain access.”
“We are so pleased that thousands of people did still turn out to see the lights being switched on and while the weather was dreadful many of the retailers, restaurants and cafes in the town are reporting a great evening of trade.
"Our thanks to all the local bands and to Warwick Davis and Andy Ford who gamely carried on with the evening and to people of Chippenham for supporting the event.”
@AndrewGazette no stalls, no Santa, no fun. Kids couldn't see the stage. Roller was good but poorly laid out. more teenage party than Xmas
— Matthew and Diana (@LicktheSpoonUK) November 29, 2015
@AndrewGazette Awful. I am happy to give my services and ideas to make a better experience next year
— Hannah Bee Griffin (@DaisyMaeBee) November 29, 2015
@AndrewGazette @ChippenhamBID A shambles.No Santa,No kids rides, No stalls.No easy access to the stage front from New Road.
— Keef (@Kelar71) November 29, 2015
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