The Christmas lights were switched on without fanfare in Bath last Friday (November 16) - a decision which was met with a mixed reaction on social media.
In years gone by, the event has been marked with fireworks, big crowds and even Hollywood royalty.
However, the 2018 edition saw the lights simply just being turned on at 3pm.
Bath Live contacted the Bath Business Improvement District (BID), which was previously involved in the event, to find out why there had been a change.
'One night only'
The group said, rather than making it 'one night only', it was hoped that the Christmas spirit could be prolonged throughout the festive period.
Chief executive Allison Herbert said: "Some cities invest all their Christmas funding into a one off event, but we wanted to give as many people the opportunity to enjoy the city as possible and make it work for the high street shops.
"We hope that local people will come and enjoy the city when it is at its sparkling best and that you will agree that there is something for everyone in the huge range of entertainment that businesses are providing.
"Do try out our bike powered lights on Milsom Street and of course come and see Father Christmas, who is coming back to Bath alongside the luxury gift wrapping service."
Some of the Christmas events in Bath
From now:
- Southgate Festive Forest - free
- Snowglobe in Southgate - £5
- Bath On Ice – bigger than ever - ticketed
- Glow in the dark Mini Golf - ticketed
From November 22 (residents’ preview on November 21):
- Bath Christmas Market - stalls
- Queens Square Artisan Market with family fun
- Kingsmead Festive Street Food Market – tasty treats from all over the world
- Ten Tree Trail – family Christmas tree trail free to participate
- Street Entertainment during the Christmas Market and Beyond – free
- Winter Wonderland at The Bird, Bath
- Walcot Winterfest Lantern Parade on December 9
From December 10:
- Bringing Father Christmas Back to Bath – Grotto in Milsom Place – ticketed event via Superpirates.co.uk
- Luxury Gift Wrapping Service in Milsom Place - free
- Cycle of Light – free bike powered light installation – free to ride and make the lights appear above your head outside Russell and Bromley
- Selfie corner in Walcot Street
- Victoria Christmas Carousel
- Shoppers Carols at the Abbey
For those who still want to attend a switch on event, the lights on Moorland Road will be illuminated on November 24.
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