Norwich Tunnel of Lights criticised as 'waste of money'

The official switch-on event on Thursday saw thousands of families kicking off the festive season - a long-awaited spectacle as it was the first since 2019 due to the pandemic.

But the jollification was met with criticism from onlookers at the event.

Some members of the public claim that the Tunnel of Light is a waste of money, especially when many people and businesses are feeling the pinch.

Adam Harding, owner of Phoenix Events East - which provides security for the Tunnel of Light - said: "Some people were a bit grumpy and said it was a waste of money.

"It was frustrating because people don't know that Norwich businesses support it - especially since there was no switch-on last year.

"Lots of people still enjoy it but there was more negativity this year because of the world we're living in.

"But that's all the more reason to have events on like this."

Stefan Gurney, executive director of Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) explained that the LED display wasn't paid for by taxpayers. 

It is paid for by a levy from Norwich businesses.

He added: "The lights are something that we work on all year round and we know the public and businesses look forward to seeing them go up each year.

"The lights are designed to create a welcoming, festive atmosphere across the city in winter months, helping to support retail and hospitality businesses in particular.

"Footfall counters for the switch-on day put the 2019 event at 51.3k people in the city, compared to this year’s switch-on day, which was 52.5k people in the city."

As an enterprise which does foot the bill for the feature, Samia King, owner of Moorish in Lower Goat Lane, said she loves the Christmas lights but would like to see more done for businesses. 

She said: "We had a quiet weekend.

"Given how much money businesses and private citizens are paying for electricity, I do feel it's something that should be rethought.

"The money could be put to better use.

"Generally speaking I love the festive feeling and at this time of year it's nice to have lights on and people getting excited.

"However I do feel that times are really tough right now and more could be done to help businesses in these times.

"I have mixed feelings.

"I don't feel like people are spending because the switch-on is usually a really good night.

"The footfall wasn't anything to write home about."

Yet people passing through the Tunnel of Light on Monday said that although they sympathise with energy and money concerns, the festive spirit is needed to guide Norwich through darker times.

"We're not paying for it and it helps us get in the Christmas spirit," Rianne Collins, 28, from Mile Cross said.

"We all need a bit of light in our life.

"I love it. I brought my two-year-old little girl here and her face was absolutely adorable - she lit up when she saw the lights."

Her aunt Kay Grigglestone, 61, from Old Catton, added: "This is exactly what we need.

"We're very much enjoying it."

Shiny Thomas, 26, and Sajan Sabastian, 39, were visiting Norwich from Gorleston.

"This only comes around once a year," Shiny said.

"At least it makes people happy.

"I understand people's concerns when it comes to the cost of living but you can see that something positive like this is changing people's mindsets.

"If this wasn't here, you wouldn't feel like it was Christmas."

Tom Palakudiyil, 72, of York Street added: "I appreciate the work that has gone into installing this.

"We're living through gloomy and depressing times but this gives a moment of joy to people.

"It's worth it."