Christmas lights are a spectacle for all the family to enjoy, and are celebrated by the majority of towns and cities across the south coast.

However with skyrocketing electricity bills, many are wondering if this joyous sight will return to Southampton and surrounding areas.

The Echo asked councils in the area if they are running lights this year.

Southampton

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said it is working with partners to make sure the Christmas Lights and switch-on event "appeals to residents and visitors to the city."

Eastleigh

The council confirmed that the Christmas lights are still running for this year with the scale and switch-on event as normal.

They are currently considering ways to make the display more cost-effective such as low energy LED lights.

Totton and Eling

The large roundabout Christmas tree and smaller trees on more than two hundred shops will return.

The council believes this is the year it has to "cheer people up" due to the cost of living increases and hopefully raise funding through sponsorship to address the increased energy expenses.

Fareham

Fareham’s Christmas Lights switch-on event is going ahead this year on Saturday, November 19 from 10am to 7pm in West Street.

The council is currently reviewing the costs for all activities and services available on the day, but intends to provide activities at no or low cost like previous years, including face painting and walkabout performers. 

It is working with partners such as Fareham Shopping Centre and Westbury Manor Museum to enhance the offer for residents.

It will be again installed in and around the town centre by Gala Lights.

Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst’s Christmas lights switch-on will take place on November 27 outside the Mailman’s Arms.

The switch-on will take place at 6pm by Paralympian Aaron Phillips

Gosport

Gosport will have the same Christmas display as in previous years.

Ringwood

The Christmas lights will still be put up this year and not reduced in scale, as part of the Christmas events provided by the town council and other businesses and organisations.

The councillors "very much care about these issues" and think that they’ll be more important than ever this year.

Brockenhurst

The parish council "very much hope" to have its lights display put up this year.

For the authority, it would be "another sign that life is returning to normal in a post-pandemic world."

A spokesperson said: "Clearly there are issues around the alarming increase in electricity costs and the concerns over the cost-of-living crisis.

"We will be discussing all of these issues in the weeks ahead with councillors, local businesses and other community representatives.

"Christmas is very much a time to be helping those who are most needing help.

"Equally it is a time to celebrate and give cheer to everyone.

"A difficult balance to achieve this year, but we will do our best."

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