"Don't let the lights go out"

Monday 20 May 2019

With just over six months to go until Town's festive decorations are illuminated once again, the St Peter Port Christmas Lights charity has launched this year's fundraising campaign.

Starting today, Guernsey Post will be delivering envelopes to every household in the island asking that local residents give whatever they can.

The envelopes can then be posted back through any letterbox for free.

The charity is looking to raise £33,000 by the end of August so it can secure contracts for the lights to be tested and insured. The decorations will start to go up in October and will be switched on by Father Christmas himself on Saturday 30 November.

The Channel Islands Co-operative Society is also continuing its support this year, with donation buckets on display in its stores throughout this week.

"Our charity has been thrilled with the past generosity and support from local residents for keeping our Christmas lights turned on," said Chair and Trustee, Jax Robin.

"The lights make a tremendous difference to the atmosphere in Town during the festive season and I think it does encourage people to come into Town, shop local and enjoy the festivities."

Pictured: This year's free-post envelope design.

"Without the generous support of the community of Guernsey there would be no Christmas lights in St Peter Port."

We could even see lights up in Trinity Square this year if the budget allows.

Head of Corporate Engagement at Guernsey Post, Dawn Gallienne, added: "We are pleased to be able to support this initiative for the third year running. It has been fantastic to see the community respond so positively to the appeal to keep the lights on and we hope that together with the St Peter Port Christmas Lights charity and the Co-op we are able to see theme switched on again this year."

A new envelope has been designed for this year's campaign, showing the contrast of what Town looks like without any festive lights.

"We are delighted to be working together with both Guernsey Post and the St Peter Port Christmas Lights appeal again," said Chief Executive Officer of the Channel Islands Co-operative Society, Colin Macleod. "Christmas lights in any community are important and we are pleased to help raise funds for the campaign."

Donations can be sent via the free-post envelopes, the buckets in the Co-op stores, via PayPal here or by cheque. More information is available here.