CHRISTMAS has been cancelled by one “Grinch” council with no apparent explanation, leaving the city’s residents and kids devastated.
Locals in Wollaton, Nottingham were heartbroken to learn that the “beautiful” Christmas at Wollaton event had been cancelled.
BPMThe Christmas at Wollaton event has been cancelled[/caption]
BPMPrevious editions featured extensive light shows and activities[/caption]
BPMSherie Dickinson was gutted by the cancellation[/caption]
Nottingham City Council said the decision was made following a “difficult operating year” marred with poor weather causing cancellations.
The event, which started in 2020, had run consecutively for the last four years.
However, last year’s event was plagued by muddy conditions and led to bad reviews online.
For some who live locally, the news of the cancellation has been met with confusion and disappointment.
Sherie Dickinson, 48, a beautician from Wollaton, was gutted the show wouldn’t go ahead.
She described the scrappage as a “real shame” and took aim at “cutbacks galore” she claims the council is making which take the “joy out of everything.”
The beautician recalled the beauty of the previous events and felt the event posed no real issues to the surrounding area.
The Christmas at Wollaton event welcomes those from across the Nottingham and the Nottinghamshire region alongside its own residents.
Biliyana Stanislavova, 41, a cleaner from Radford, said she’s “disappointed” to miss the event with her young son.
She was also confused at why Wollaton had “not said anything” about the cancellation.“
While some residents were disappointed to hear the event wouldn’t go ahead, others were relieved.
Wollaton resident Helen Mitchell, 72, said she is not interested in the annual light show and is “happy” the event is not using the park.
She said that the nature and history of the grounds should be conserved.
The pensioner said: “I’ve not been to the event before because I’m a kill joy. In that regard I’m an old misery.
“But I’m not alone with people who have also lived here a very long time. The park should be a park.”
Martin Dixon, 66, from Wollaton was surprised there had been no explanation.
The retiree said: “It’s not my thing but I know a lot of younger ones especially families go. I’m not sure why they would have a break.”
According to online speculation, the cancellation appears to have been confirmed since the start of October.
BPMThe light display at the event in 2022[/caption]
BPMSome residents have expressed sadness the show will not return this year[/caption]
BPMDanny Searle labelled the decision a shame[/caption]
Danny Searle, 62, and India Searle, 30, who recently moved to Wollaton, were disappointed they’d miss out this year.
Danny described the “shame” of losing an event that brings the “community together.”
A statement from Nottingham City Council said: “The illuminated light trail that has taken place at Wollaton Hall & Deer Park annually since 2020 is taking a break in 2024.
“Event organisers Kilimanjaro have regretfully made this decision following a difficult operating year due to inclement weather conditions resulting in cancellations.
“They will be working hard to reinvigorate the event in a way that overcomes these hurdles in future years.
“For the last four years, the light trail has brought festive joy to 400,000 guests with a sparkling route around the grounds of Wollaton Hall, showcasing unique light installations and spectacles.
“Nottingham City Council hopes that Wollaton’s Christmas light trail will return for 2025.”
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