Public Reaction

04/09/2007

The public has reacted to the Friends of the Lights launch

Yesterday the Friends of the Lights campaign was launched on Island fm.  This morning Festive Chairman, Martine Ellis, appeared on Radio Guernsey and this afternoon she will be speaking at the Young Business Group lunch (Channel TV will be present).  Also there will be articles appearing shortly in publications including the Guernsey Press and Contact magazine.

The public response has been mixed - some people (in fact, the majority we have spoken to) are very happy to contribute and simply cannot bear the thought of Town without lights.  Some feel annoyed that tax payers are being asked to contribute when the States 'should' provide funding.  In response to this we would emphasise that the lights have, since 1964 when the first lights went up, been funded by charitable donations - hence establishing the charity Festive Decor.  If members of the public feel strongly that the States should contribute then they should contact their Deputies to discuss the matter.  Ultimately Festive are a group of volunteers who are passionate about ensuring there are Christmas lights in Town - we have approached the States on numerous occasions for funding with little success.

In general terms though, lots of people are talking about the lights and we are getting many hits on this website, which is very good news.