Christmas fairy lights along Gray Street in Hamilton will officially be turned on this Thursday night at 8pm – an initiative made possible with the support of local traders.
Southern Grampians Shire Council installed the lights earlier this month and after a positive response from community, has made the decision to turn them on earlier than planned.
Mayor Councillor David Robertson said when the lights were installed and tested a couple of weeks ago, residents were delighted with the result.
“The response was really positive, so we’ve decided to turn fairy lights on early,” said Cr Robertson. “They really lift the aesthetic of our CBD between Brown and Thompson streets, so let’s enjoy them for longer.”
Cr Robertson said council had been working closely with CBD traders to plan and design the fairy lights that adorn 16 roadside trees.
“I’d like to thank the traders who have been involved with this important initiative that is a breath of fresh air for our CBD and especially to those businesses who are powering the lights from their shop,” he said.
“It’s a real joy to know that the community is enjoying them so much already. There’s no doubt that the lights really beautify Hamilton’s main shopping strip at night.”
Cr Robertson encouraged residents to attend the official switching on of the Christmas lights this Thursday night in Gray Street (just west of the Nucleus) to kick-off the festive season.
Other Christmas decorations will be installed around Hamilton before the end of November and in the other towns across the shire before mid-November.
