THE spirit of Christmas has been shown to be alive and well in Minehead after contractors agreed to double the number of festive lights in part of the town centre at less than half cost.

The deal was agreed after a mix-up when the town council contracted Festive Lighting Company to provide this year’s illuminations.

The error meant only half the 36 centre motifs for The Parade had been ordered.

The cost of the other half was £4,702.94 plus VAT, but Festive Lighting agreed to supply them for £1,250 plus VAT.

Town councillors accepted the offer and agreed to increase their lighting budget in future to £17,710.44.

Christmas lights in Wellington Square, Minehead, in an earlier year.
Christmas lights in Wellington Square, Minehead, in an earlier year. (MTC)

They were told the error arose from a discrepancy between the council’s expectation and the contractor’s interpretation regarding the number of centre motifs which had not been picked up during the competitive tendering process.

Town clerk Ben Parker said: “The council’s expectation was that 36 motifs, 18 twin displays, would be supplied and installed, whereas the contractor’s tendered provision was based on 18 motifs, nine twin displays.

“Given the stage reached within the contract and the operational need to maintain an appropriate Christmas lighting display for the town centre, the most practical and financially advantageous option available to the council was for the clerk to negotiate a reduced cost with the contractor rather than accept a significantly diminished display.

“The additional expenditure can be met from existing budget provision.

“However, future Christmas lighting budgets will need to be adjusted accordingly to reflect this ongoing commitment.

“The agreed figure represents a particularly favourable outcome arising from the negotiations and may not be reflective of future market costs should similar requirements arise when the contract is next re-tendered.”

Minehead’s Christmas lights will be switched on during an event on the evening of November 27, when town centre road closures will be put in place from about 12.30 pm with event activities expected to run between 3.30 pm and 9 pm.

Mr Parker said: “Planning for the 2026 Christmas event is progressing well and arrangements are now largely in place.

The Avenue, Minehead, decked with festive lighting for a previous Christmas.
The Avenue, Minehead, decked with festive lighting for a previous Christmas. (MTC)

“The event continues to be developed on the principle of providing a free, accessible, and community-focused Christmas celebration for residents and visitors.

“Following feedback received from residents, businesses, and event partners after last year’s event, particular attention has been given to event safety and pedestrian management.

“As a result, the road closure has been extended to include Friday Street and Park Street, in addition to the existing closure of The Avenue, The Shambles, and The Parade.

“This enhanced layout is intended to improve pedestrian safety, reduce vehicle conflict points, and provide a more cohesive event space.

“While this has increased traffic management requirements, the council has secured extremely competitive rates through Highbridge and Burnham Carnival Club, helping minimise the financial impact.

“In addition, the council has secured the road closure order for the next two years, providing greater certainty for future event planning.”

Councillors agreed an extra £1,500 spend to support the event’s safe and successful delivery.