Penrith’s Business Improvement District is setting its stall out to make the town shine this Christmas and beyond.
An email has been sent to businesses asking for donations and sponsorship towards an ambitious new Christmas lights display for the town.
Some years ago, Penrith BID took on the responsibility of providing the town centre with Christmas lights from the chamber of trade and Eden District Council.
This was due to financial cutbacks and growing legislation which meant it was no longer possible for them to manage the lights.
In 2013, BID started to use a part of its core funding from the business levy to slowly grow the Christmas lights scheme across Penrith. BID is funded by a levy based on one per cent of rateable value, which is charged to each qualifying ratepayer.
From 2019 BID has aimed to improve Penrith’s Christmas display.
“BID has made a significant investment into the event and lights. However, this project is not cheap and we want Penrith to shine this Christmas,” said BID director Dan Harding.
“We therefore need to raise at least another £40,000 over the next three to four years to make this possible. We have big plans that involve a lot of new lights and a bigger switch on event, with a celebrity switch on. We need your help!”
BID has asked for donations or sponsorship of one of the town’s new “motifs”. Alternatively, the organisation is looking for a headline sponsor, whose logo would be displayed on motifs and at other points throughout the town.
“We also have a celebrity to switch on the lights, which is bound to draw a big crowd. Please get in touch to find out more,” said Mr Harding.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up online and there are collection boxes around the town for donations.
