Christmas: the time of year for Santa, his reindeer, and festivities, yet one town in East Hertfordshire could be losing its famous street lanterns.
With a new Ware Bear for 2023, Christmas lights twinkle up and down the high street, seemingly overwhelming the traditional street lanterns which border every shop. They are of course part of the town’s Christmas look and heritage, ranging from deep blues to subtle greens. However, are they at risk of disappearing from our streets?
Ware town DOES Christmas. From traders and community groups to a local choir, everybody comes together to celebrate in style on one evening inspired by Dickens himself. Dickensian, as it is named, begins the start of the Christmas countdown on the 1st of December. According to Ware Town Council, up to 15,000 people attended in 2022 showing its popularity. Festive spirits high, this event and the town lights are interlinked, the atmosphere ultimately buzzing.
Unfortunately, the lanterns cannot keep up. With the youngest being 10 years of age, the lanterns are no longer looking their best.
In an interview with Sarah a project manager from Ware Town Council, the problem was clear. Some lanterns are simply “beyond repair” the council already having to fill in gaps with new, cheaper bulb lights, possibly meaning that this could be their “last year”. Yet these lanterns are deeply ingrained within the culture of Ware, quite simply unique. I understand her dilemma, as Dickensian has been going for 29 years - the lanterns part of this.
A survey run by the council last year showed that 63% of people wanted to keep the lanterns, meaning a solution is needed. However, with a cost-of-living crisis, the council will have to “balance nostalgia with budget”. It waits to be seen if the lanterns will live on, though inevitably Christmas will continue to bring joy to the residents of Ware.
