Oldham Christmas lights switch on costs council £48,700

Council leader Arooj Shah defended the annual show, saying it brought £310,480 into the town centre economy due to increased spending by attendees.

According to the council, an estimated 8,000 visitors came to the lights switch-on this year, the same number as was estimated last year.

This would put the cost at just over £6 per attendee.

Cost pressures meant Bolton Council cancelled its traditional Christmas light switch-on, which last took place before Covid, in 2019. Further afield, Bournemouth’s switch-on was cancelled for cost reasons, before the town’s Business Improvement District stepped in with its own plans.

Oldham’s event included a parade, fireworks, and a production of ‘The Wrong Reindeer’ by Oldham Theatre Workshop.

At the event, Shaw resident John Tomlinson said: “If it continued to pour down, I’d still be here 100 per cent, of course! We need big events and cultural experiences like this.

“I’ve always come to the switch-on since I was little because my parents used to take me, but not this one – my wife is from here, so she would’ve been to this one growing up.

“We got here at 4.30pm and went for a drink and came back – when it's over we’re all going for a meal together.”

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Cost broken down

Broken down, £21,000 was spent delivering the events programme, with £9,000 spent on production, £4,000 on screens, £7,000 on pyrotechnics, £4,120 on-site management/safety, £2,000 on welfare, such as medical and toilets, £1,000 on marketing, photography, filming, and research, and £580 on licences.

The cost is vastly reduced compared to last year, with a cost of £60,286 in 2022 – an £11,586 difference.

Oldham’s council leader said costs were lower as the Christmas Parade took place on the same day as the Christmas Lights switch-on, saving on staffing costs.

The lower Christmas lights switch-on cost is in contrast to this year’s Big Bang Bonfire, which cost £13,000 more than the previous year, at £55,000.

As part of an Environmental Information Regulations request, Oldham Council was asked for the estimated CO2 emissions and an environmental impact report for the lights switch-on.

However, the council said it did not have the information.

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Council leader defends event

Cllr Shah said: “Our Christmas Switch On Show is a much-loved tradition in Oldham.

"We know that offering a free, fun, event is appreciated and enjoyed by many families, particularly when so many people are struggling in the Cost of Living crisis.

Cllr Arooj Shah

“Despite the weather, around 8,000 people gathered in and around Parliament Square to watch the show, which featured ‘The Wrong Reindeer’ - a fairy-tale outdoor performance created by Oldham Theatre Workshop. 

“It was fantastic to work with our local actors, highlighting the great work Oldham Theatre Workshop do all year round as well as giving audiences a chance to experience a taster of their main Christmas show.

“This event also brings in a huge economic benefit to local businesses. Research we carried out on the day suggests that there was an estimated average spend per person of £38.81, which would bring £310,480 back into the town centre economy. 

“Plus, many of the businesses we spoke to after the event said they saw a marked increase in footfall and sales on the day.

“That said, when council budgets are tighter than ever, we are always looking at ways to make further savings.

“This year’s Christmas Parade took place on the same day as the Christmas Lights switch-on, for example, which saved on staffing and logistics costs.

“We are also looking at next year’s events programme and considering how we can deliver the best possible experiences for residents and businesses while also ensuring best value for money.” 

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