Christmas lights mistaken for an “alien invasion” could spell the end of the annual festive parade in Lisburn as councillors aim for “more bang from your buck” entertainment.
The council had previously agreed to drop its festive spend from £535,000 in 2020 to £130,000 in 2021, however a freedom of information request later showed its actually spend was £470,000 last year.
At a recent corporate meeting DUP members expressed their “disappointment” at the decision to remove the seasonal parade in a budget cutting exercise.
Read more: Lisburn councillors 'disappointed' Christmas parade cancelled in late email announcement.
Though, following the “success” of the Lisburn Christmas Light Show in the city's Castle Gardens, council members have now urged that the parade be done away with to save the local authority from over spending.
Downshire East UUP councillor Alex Swan said: “I have to congratulate the council on the success of the Christmas lights, which many people have commented on favourably.
“It looks to me that the lights provide more bang for your buck over several weeks compared to a one off parade.
“When you take into account that both events cost similar amounts, then we need to be smarter with the ratepayers’ money and perhaps choose one over the other, if it becomes a budget matter.”
Lisburn South Alliance Alderman Amanda Grehan agreed, saying: “We have to consider the cost of living crisis and what is better spent for the community. Perhaps we don’t need a parade around the town. We should meet in the new year to get the 2023 budget planned.”
The future plans for the light show sparked some wry observations in chambers.
DUP Castlereagh East Alderman David Drysdale said: “I thought it was an alien invasion coming down, you could see the lights reflecting off the clouds from as far as Casltereagh and Royal Hillsborough.
“The Christmas lights show is fantastic. Perhaps Dundonald might get the something similar next year and not just a wee reindeer.”
Development committee chairman, Alderman Allan Ewart quipped: “I’m glad you can see the lights from Dundonald, then there’s no need to extend them to Castlereagh.”
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