COLOURFUL lights and festive decor will be brightening Kingston town centre this evening but the annual lights switch-on will not be going ahead due to covid-19 concerns.

The town's business improvement district Kingston First has told to Nub News that they were not comfortable organising an official Lights Up event for 2021 because of the crowds it would draw and the uncertainty over the pandemic.

But the move to cancel the popular event has been branded 'disappointing' by some members of the public.

It comes as Kingston Christmas market re-opens to the public as normal, having been cancelled along with the lights switch-on event last year.

Asked about the cancellation of this year's lights, a spokesperson for Kingston First told Nub News: "In previous years the light switch on event has been very popular and drawn very large, busy crowds in Kingston, stretching all the way down Clarence Street.

"With all the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, we felt uncomfortable organising a town centre wide event this year, given it would be an un-ticketed event with lots of people gathering together at one time.

"With the Christmas festivities in the town centre running 18 November to 24 December there's plenty of time for people to come into Kingston and enjoy the experience safely."

Responding to the news online, some commenters expressed their disappointment at the news.

One wrote: "That's slightly disappointing being a Kingston girl & holding my Town dear iv always enjoyed taking my lit ones to the light switch on...but understand & look forward to the Xmas markets next week finger's crossed for next year."

Another pointed out that nearby Putney is hosting an event this year.

Kingston First's 'I Love Kingston' sign, a popular selfie spot, also returns for 2021 but has been moved to the riverside as its spot outside Wilko's is now taken over by hoardings.

More Christmas stories from Kingston Nub News

Kingston: Get your skates on for Hampton Court Palace!

Kingston Christmas Market 2021: All you need to know about this year's festive extravaganza

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