Now even the Christmas lights have been cancelled in Kilwinning, just weeks after coronavirus hit the town’s fireworks night.
The big switch on event has now officially been called off this year by organisers at Promoting Kilwinning.
Chair Blair Kerr told the Times: “Promoting Kilwinning will not be hosting the usual Christmas Lights Switch on event this year due to COVID-19, as many people are probably expecting.
“We will be hosting a virtual switch on event with the assistance of Connected Communities.
“This is not what we want, but is our only viable option in the current circumstances.
“The Promoting Kilwinning committee and volunteers were looking forward to expand on the success of last years event.
“The lights will still be put up by North Ayrshire Council, with a real Christmas tree, however there will be no new fixtures, as we had hoped, due to the restricted manpower and funding available this year.
“We have spoken to the businesses in Kilwinning Main Street and the Kilwinning Christmas Elf competition will still be in the shop windows for children to find. We will have more information in November.
“We need the community’s help to secure funding for new Christmas fixtures for 2021.
“We have donation tins in many of the businesses in the Main Street and have started a Just Giving fund, where all funds will go towards new light fixtures for Kilwinning.
“We understand that this is a very troubling time for everyone and thank you all for your continued support.”
We previously reported how Kilwinning’s big fireworks display had been cancelled – with organisers fearing a rise in antisocial behaviour leading up to the night.
Organiser and Kilwinning Labour Cllr Donald Reid said: “Everyone loves Kilwinning Fireworks but sadly it looks like any attempt to have a display this year will be thwarted by ongoing restrictions.
“We appreciate that cancelling the display will be disappointing and the risk of seeing a rise in anti-social behaviour around November 5 will be concerning but as guidance and money stands we are unable to stage a fireworks display.”
If you can help, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfund
ing/kilwinning-christmas
-lights?utm_term=dndk4Z22A
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