Hard-working volunteers behind Starbeck’s Christmas Lights say the festive season feature is under threat because of red tape and rising costs.

One of Harrogate’s longest-running festive traditions, for decades, people from all walks of life have enjoyed the Starbeck Christmas that light up the route from Forest Lane Head to Kingsley Road.

Starbeck Christmas Lights are not erected or funded by local authorities or by government but by donations given by local businesses and members of the public and the hard work and fundraising efforts done by volunteers throughout the year.

Now organisers are warning that the annual switch-on at the end of November may not happen.

Starbeck Christmas Lights in Harrogate are not erected or funded by local authorities or by government but by donations given by local businesses and members of the public (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — Starbeck Christmas Lights in Harrogate are not erected or funded by local authorities or by government but by donations given by local businesses and members of the public (Picture contributed)

A spokesperson for the the Starbeck Christmas Lights Committee said: “As a result of sudden changes in rules and regulations set by North Yorkshire Council the tradition of the Starbeck Christmas Lights may cease to continue due to lack of funds to make all the changes that are being asked of us.

"This includes new junction boxes, overhead cabling and appointing an outside contractor to check the capacity and strength of the lamp posts.”

The volunteers are still desperately trying to raise enough funds to save this Christmas tradition.

If you would like to make a donation to its appeal, collection points for donations can be found at Animal Feeds, Spa Lane, Beth’s Craft Shed, The Red Box, Elite Meat and The Office Ale House High Street, Starbeck.

Starbeck Christmas Fair will take place on Saturday, November 29 from 2pm-6pm.

More information: https://starbeck-lights.com/