On Friday 27th November the Hexham Christmas Lights Switch on took place. It was a very low key event with social distancing rules applied and no public present. Bob Hull, Mayor of Hexham, spoke as follows:
“On behalf of the Town Council I’d like to thank Egger for once again giving the town such a magnificent Christmas tree.
As you’ve seen we’ve had to change its location as a result of the works on the Abbey roof.
We come to this low key switch on in strange circumstances. Unfortunately we do not have today the usual participation of eager children. I’m sorry too that Santa is unable to join us this year. He assures me that he will be delivering at Christmas.
I’m equally sorry that this switch on event doesn’t open the way to all the usual Hexham Christmas events. Let us hope that by this time next year we’ll be back to some kind of normal.
In the meantime we should be aware that Hexham is still one of the happiest places to live in the UK. Not quite the number one position of last year but nevertheless to be 12th and the happiest in the north east is a tremendous recognition for the town. This comes largely from the amazing community spirit in Hexham.
In the new tier 3 situation in which we find ourselves that spirit is still needed. To support our wonderful businesses in the town we need to shop local and support our shops in the run up to Christmas.
That’s all I want to say. On behalf of the Town Council. I want to wish everyone in Hexham the best possible Christmas despite all the difficult circumstances.
And now I’d like to invite Tobias Zimmermann from Egger to switch on Hexham ‘s Christmas lights.”
A recording of the switch on can be found on Hexhamtv’s Facebook page here.