Christmas Lights

This page will provide you with everything you need to know about how communities in East Ayrshire could have Christmas Lights in their town, village or hamlet.

What are benefits of having Christmas Lights in your Community?

Please follow these steps to ensure your Community's Festive Light Project is a success.

Step 1

Ok, before you get started with the Festive Lights application, there are a few important things to think about:

• Do you have Christmas Lights already?
• If you don't have Christmas Lights or need to replace existing Christmas Lights please think about applying for funding to purchase them.
• If you plan to purchase Christmas Lights, please allow a lead time of around 12 to 16 weeks for delivery (Festive Lighting Supplier will be able to confirm this)
• If you have lights already, please check they are PAT tested and check they are in good working order.
• Can your group pay for the lights? It's important to make sure you have enough money to buy, put up and run the lights.
• Planning ahead helps! If you start planning early, you'll have more time to ask for help with funding.
• Your group will need to pay for the people to put up the lights (contractors) and the electricity to run them once up. So, you'll need to figure out how to cover these costs.
• Electricity costs more now: Things like electricity are more expensive, so you'll need to think about how much it will cost to keep the lights on. (Festive lights locations + Wattage costs)
• Basically, it's all about making sure you have a plan and enough money to make your Festive Lights project shine.

Funding Links

If your group are looking for any funding to help support this type of project, please follow the links below:

• EAC Funding
• Lottery Funding
• Funding Search

Step 2

It's not just about the money; your group also needs to think carefully and provide the following documentation to support the project:

• Copies of PAT testing certification.
• Evidence of Public Liability Insurance and the details of this policy.
• Confirmation that the applicant has read ARA's guidance notes, and that the requirements contained within this guidance will be fully met.
• Name of Insurer
• Address of Insurer
• Policy No
• Expiry Date
• Cover £5M minimum/£10M for Trunk Roads (e.g. A76)

Step 3

Once you have checked all of the costs involved and how your group are going to pay for the Festive Lights display its time to contact Contractors who will be the people who put up the Festive Lights for you. When contacting the contractors please feel free to follow this link for an example email - Dear Contractor

Step 4

Before you submit the Festive Lights Application and appendix, you should check out the FAQ's as it will cover the questions you'll need to answer as well as the information that is needed when speaking to contractors etc. It's a good idea to look at them first, so you know what to expect. Once you complete the Festive Lights Application please send it to: enquiries@ayrshireroadsalliance.org

Extra support

• If you need any help, don't forget you can always ask your local Place Worker! They're there to support you. Please see the Who's listening section for more details of your local Place Worker.
• Please see the Key Dates section to keep you and the group on track.

Wishing you all the best with the project