October 4, 200718 yr Town is first in Britain to put up its Christmas lights - with 82 days to go! Last updated at 16:46pm on 4th October 2007 The school summer holidays were barely over and temperatures in Leighton Buzzard were up to 17c at one point. But September 24 was still the day that the Christmas season began in the Bedfordshire town. A full 92 days before families were due to rip open presents and tuck into turkeys, Christmas lights sprung up throughout the town centre. Scroll down for more... Gaudy lights were put up in Leighton Buzzard on September 24 The colourful displays magically appeared above shops in the High Street and other key shopping areas. In case anyone hadn't realised they should be gripped by the festive frenzy, a neon sign with the legend 'Merry Christmas, Leighton-Linslade Council' was erected on the wall of Dorvic's Cycle Shop. But rather than rushing out to buy tinsel and crackers, residents were yesterday busy criticising the town councillors behind the bizarre decision. Jane White, from surveyors firm Andrew White and Co. in Bridge Street said: "It's ridiculous. "I'd have thought they would have time to put them up in November, not September. "You walk past the charity shops in Leighton Buzzard now and they are full of Christmas cards. Christmas has gone mad." Market trader Marcus Howlett, 34, said seeing Christmas lights already was "crazy". "I don't think anyone is thinking about Christmas so soon after summer," he added. "Surely these lights will have to be maintained until December, so there must be added costs to having them up so early." Housewife Helen Davies, 50, said: 'I don't agree with hanging the lights so early. It spoils the surprise and appeal of Christmas. "It is like seeing Easter eggs on sale in January. Why can't this country celebrate the seasons at the right time? "It looks like an attempt to inject some festive feelings into the town centre to encourage more shoppers but the lights just look sad hanging there with no purpose." Abi John, 32, a bank worker added: "Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year. "There is almost a quarter of a year to go, autumn has only really just started, and the town council wants to remind everyone that winter is coming already. "I wouldn't mind seeing Christmas lights up at the end of November but the end of September is silly. "I only came back from my holidays three weeks ago." The town council spends £28,000 a year on the cost of buying, maintaining and repairing the lights, as well as putting them up. Businesses in the town pay for the electricity to power the lights, which will be officially switched on at a ceremony on November 23. The lights first blinked into life on Monday and were on again last night as proud town council representatives toured the display. Assistant town clerk Barry Wardle was unrepentant about the date the lights went up. He said: "The lights are actually being put up three weeks later this year. "In 2006 I had them put up from September 1. "Obviously we want them up in the time for them to be switched on. "They are on for six weeks each year but personally I would have them on for 52." Leighton Buzzard may now become a hotspot for people who can't wait for Christmas season but it was months off the pace compared to Harrods. The department store launched its Christmas World section, complete with a visit from Santa Claus, on August 7 - two days after the hottest day of the year when temperatures hit 30.3c.
October 4, 200718 yr The town that I used to live in left up all the Christmas stuff until midJuly one year. :dozey: The stores here put out their Christmas decorations to sell in July. :dozey: I'm with Ian, bah humbug!
October 5, 200718 yr Lot's of Christmas stuff comes out for sale in July here also. Because our Christmas is during Summer some people like to have "Christmas in July" to have that traditional Winter feel or something. Silly idea I think. Christmas in Summer is best!
October 5, 200718 yr The main Tesco in Andover is getting changed around ready for all the Christmas related crap to go on the shelves.
October 8, 200718 yr Author I never thought I'd say this but I'm starting to hate Christmas. I've been apathetic for some considerable time.......................... commercialisation and consumerism have ruined it.;)
October 8, 200718 yr Author But still, it's a free week off work :D Not if you're self-employed.:rolleyes:
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