Sutton group wants your festive event ideas

Sutton Town Centre Group is again organising a festive event in Portland Square to mark the switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights.

This will be held on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December, with the lights officially switched on on the Saturday.

Unlike Christmas lights switch-ons in neighbouring Mansfield or Nottingham, the Sutton event is organised by volunteers and has a very small budget.

But the Town Centre Group wants to make it as full of festive fun as possible and is asking residents to come up with ideas of attractions and entertainment that they would like to see.

A spokesman for the group said: “Sutton Town Centre Group is a non-profit organisation and is fully co-ordinated by local volunteers.

“The Group has fundraising money of £1,000 to spend on the event and would like to ask the community how you want to see this spent.

“All funds raised are either donated or raised through community events, so please send the group your realistic and creative suggestions on what you would like to see.”

Last year’s lights switch-on included market stalls, face painting, glitter tattoos and crown making activities for children and there was music and entertainment from local groups as well as a visit from Santa.

But some visitors were not happy with what was on offer and felt that more attractions were needed.

Others criticised the Christmas lights themselves but these are provided by Ashfield District Council. The Town Centre Group organises only the switch-on event.

Chris Metcalf, treasurer of the group, said: “As a group we try to make a bit of a fuss about it and make a community event of it to bring the community together.”

Anyone who has any ideas for the switch-on is asked to get in touch with the Town Centre Group via its Facebook page. Search Facebook for ‘Sutton Town Centre Group’ and post your ideas or send a message.

Closing date for feedback is 11th August 2014.