Plans for Hay Hill Christmas Lights in Norwich emerge

Dubbed the Canopy of Light, Norwich BID says the installation it has put forward to replace the multicoloured lights will be a “first-of-its-kind installation”.

But when shown the initial plans for the large cubic installation with LED lights hung around it people were left scratching their heads.

The plans show a large cubic structure which will be hung with LED lights (Image: TOMA)

Jack Enright, 24, and his friend Marcel Mydlarz, 22, said: "It's a bit underwhelming and mediocre in comparison to the tunnel, which was really quite big.

"People loved coming to see the tunnel of lights and taking pictures and I'm not sure that this will draw as many people."

Jack Enright (left) and Marcel Mydlarz (right) (Image: Newsquest)

"I prefer the tunnel," said Margaret Thomas, a 78-year-old retiree.

"This doesn't seem very Christmassy. I'd give it a five out of 10."

Margaret, 78, and David Thomas, 85 (Image: Newsquest)

However, her husband, David, was a fan of the plans, scoring them an eight out of 10.

​Nathan Miller, 29, said: "I thought the tunnel was cool, and this is quite different from that.

"People might try to climb this though - it looks more climbable than the tunnel."

Nathan Miller (left) and Sam Corfield (right) (Image: Newsquest) "We will have to see it at night," added his friend, Sam Corfield, 22.

READ MORE:  Tunnel of Light dumped...but new Christmas spectacle is promised for Norwich

"It will have a bigger impact then."

Initial designs show the structure in the heart of the newly refurbished Hay Hill (Image: Norwich City Council Planning Portal) Norwich BID says that the current designs are in their early stages but it is believed the structure will be installed in Hay Hill. 

Stefan Gurney, executive director of Norwich BID said: "Norwich BID is excited to be bringing a bespoke, first-of-its-kind lighting installation to the city for Christmas 2024.

"Formed of entirely LED lights, the installation will act as an extension to the existing lighting scheme which was refreshed last year, making it the most sustainable lighting scheme in Norwich to date.

"We look forward to unveiling the new installation at the switch-on event on November 14 and bringing a new festive experience to the city visitors."

The structure will go in the heart of the newly refurbished Hay Hill (Image: Newsquest)