Ferryhill Christmas lights to return after 2025 cancellation

Last Christmas, plans to install festive lights on lighting columns in the town centre had to be abandoned after structural tests found the columns could not safely support the weight of the decorations.

The decision was a major disappointment for residents, with the issue coming to light just days before the town's Christmas lights switch-on event.

At the time, Durham County Council advised that the lighting columns, while safe for their intended purpose, could not safely carry any additional weight.

Ferryhill Town Council confirmed it had come to a solution to bring back decorations.

New lighting wraps have now been approved for installation on the existing columns, allowing festive decorations to return this Christmas.

Councillor Curtis Bihari, Mayor of Ferryhill, said: "Last year was a real disappointment, so we were determined to make sure it didn't happen again.

"By working closely with Durham County Council, we've found a safe solution that means festive lighting will return to Ferryhill town centre this Christmas."

Durham County Council has carried out further structural assessments to ensure the new decorations can be safely installed.

Paul Anderson, the council's strategic highways manager, said: "Structural assessments have already been carried out to make sure the columns can accommodate these new lights, ensuring the town has festive decorations for this Christmas and in years to come."

Last year's switch-on event still went ahead, featuring a Christmas market, food and drink vendors, carol singing and fairground rides, but the town centre was left without its usual festive display.