Ashby de la Zouch Town Council has confirmed that Christmas lights switch-on has been cancelled this year due to coronavirus restrictions.

But there will be lights in the town this year - with a 100-strong display of artificial trees and a 20ft spruce Christmas tree in Market Street.

It is likely that they will be turned on some time next week - but with no fanfare and nothing to encourage crowds to gather.

Some of the lights - as well as a Christmas tree - have been put in place already and tested recently during the evening last month.

Puzzle of Christmas lights in October is explained

The Town Council said at a committee meeting in August that they were determined to have lights in the town after such a difficult year.

Council insists there must be Christmas lights this year

The Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Councillor John Coxon, expressed his disappointment today (Thursday) at the news that the Christmas market and lights switch-on event in the town has been cancelled.

Councillor Coxon said: "Following official government advice regarding social distancing to contain the spread of Covid-19 it is with great regret that Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Events & Entertainment Committee has made the decision to cancel the Christmas Fair & Market on 5th and 6th December.

"We have carefully explored all of the options in order to be able to facilitate the traditional Christmas market.

"We looked at a scaled-down event and a possible one-way system but with a non-ticketed event, we would be unable to control the number of visitors to the site and, therefore, unable to comply with track and trace.

"We would have loved to be able to put on our usual Christmas event but with all of the required government measures and guidance in place we feel that, in this instance, it would be better to not hold the event this year rather than putting anyone at risk.

"The Town Council is very disappointed at having to make this difficult decision but I very much hope that residents and visitors will enjoy this year's Christmas lights to brighten our town and our Christmas in these difficult times.

"We have gone for a more traditional feel for this year's decorations which we think is in keeping with our historical market town and which will be quite fitting for Ashby.

"A 20ft spruce Christmas tree will be the town centre's focal point in its traditional spot.

"We will have various deciduous trees decorated within Market Street and 100 5ft pre-lit artificial trees will be positioned in the brackets throughout the town.

"We hope that the decorations will brighten up Ashby and give residents and visitors a warm welcome whist shopping during the festive season.

"I would like to encourage people to shop local and remind everyone that Ashby is open for business.

"A special 'Thank You' goes to Fishers Solicitors who have kindly sponsored the main tree and lights.

"Whilst it is deeply regrettable having to cancel our events during these uncertain times, we feel this is the right, and only, course of action to take. We must ensure that public safety remains our top priority.

"May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas? Let us all hope for a better 2021."