NO Christmas lights switch-on for Solihull after health and safety concerns - The Solihull Observer

NO Christmas lights switch-on for Solihull after health and safety concerns

Solihull Editorial 18th Nov, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

THERE will be no official Christmas lights switch on in Solihull town centre this year.

The decision has been taken amid health and safety fears over the lack of space.

But Council bosses and Solihull BID say the fantastic offerings in Solihull, which have created the lack of space in Mell Square, will more than make up for it.

While there is widespread disappointment about the decision for no big switch-on, the countdown to Christmas in Solihull will be its biggest and best ever.




The fabulous outdoor ice rink and its associated festive huts are now open for business in Mell Square seven days a week until January 3, while the Christmas Chalet Makret will also be open in the square every day from November 28 to December 20.

Mr and Mrs Frosty’s Snow Garden will also be open every day from November 28 to December 20 in Mell Square while Touchwood will also be jam-packed with festive offerings including a Penguin Encounter day and giant Christmas tree.


Christmas music will be piped through the soundwaves across the town centre throughout the festive season and there will be a host of other activities.

These include Saturday entertainment in the town centre every week, a Fine Food and Drink Market on the High Street every Saturday and the return of the popular Merry Monk Beer Bar.

All of these fantastic festive offerings – and the fabulous shops of Solihull twon centre, which will all be decked out for Christmas – make Solihull the perfect pace to visit this Christmas.

Melanie Palmer, executive director of Solihull Business Improvement District (BID) said: “The BID is delighted to pay for this year’s Christmas lights, as it did last year, and this year will be extra special with the addition of the ice rink.

“It’s a wonderful new attraction that will provide weeks of entertainment throughout the festive period.

“However, the space required for the ice rink means the town centre is unable to cater for an additional major event such as a lights switch-on ceremony.

“The safety of visitors to the town centre is our absolute priority and the decision was taken to focus on a variety of ongoing events throughout Christmas, such as the free Mr Frosty’s Snow Garden, market stalls and carol singers.”

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