Cowbridge Town Council regrets to confirm that the town’s Christmas lights will not be installed in time for the Christmas Parade.
What Happened
In March, the Vale of Glamorgan Council removed the Christmas light wires to allow large loads to pass through the town. After removing them, the Vale did not return the wires and later confirmed that they could not be located. This meant brand-new assessments were required so new catenary wires could be installed, which the lights hang from. Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council were later advised that the Vale Council would take responsibility for re-installing the wires using their own specialist contractor.
Safety Checks and New Requirements
When the Vale’s contractor inspected the buildings, they found that the original anchor fixings were corroded. For safety reasons, they refused to use them and advised that new anchor points would need to be drilled. As several of the buildings involved are listed, this triggered additional heritage discussions and agreements with the Conservation team in the Vale of Glamorgan Council, which the Town Council had to make sure were fully compliant.
What the Town Council Has Been Doing
Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council has been working continuously over the past months to secure all the permissions required and were successful.
We recognise that safety must come first, so we have complied with every requirement to allow new wires to be installed to replace those that were removed and not returned.
If you have the permissions, why can’t they be installed before the Parade?
Although we initially presented alternative companies who could complete the installation, the Vale of Glamorgan Council requires the wires to be installed by their appointed specialist contractor, as they are responsible for the infrastructure and consider their contractor the most cost-effective option. Cowbridge with Llanblethian Town Council then agreed that the same contractor should install both the wires and the lights for safety and consistency. This ensures the work is completed to the correct standard and avoids any risk of mixed responsibilities or conflicting safety assessments.
New catenary wires are being installed today; however the contractor has confirmed that they do not have availability in their schedule to install the lights before the Parade. This means the earliest possible installation date is next week.
Why is this announcement so late?
We recognise this is later than we would have hoped. We have worked tirelessly and explored every possible avenue to make this happen. However, it only became clear today that it isn’t possible, and we have issued this update immediately.
What Happens Next
Cowbridge will have Christmas lights – but they will be installed next week, which unfortunately will not be in time for the Christmas Parade.
We share everyone’s disappointment, but we want to highlight the incredible work of the Community Events Group, who have volunteered their time all year to make the Reindeer Parade truly spectacular. They have worked so hard to bring back that “old Cowbridge Christmas magic”, and we encourage everyone to come along and support them. There is real life reindeer, a laser show, phenomenal entertainment, and Christmas markets. It’s going to be spectacular. The lights used for the switch-on outside Cowbridge Town Hall will still be in place and fully operational, and will remain part of the traditional light switch-on.