Here's why some of Warwick's Christmas lights are different this year

Around this time every year residents, businesses and councils come together to add some festive cheer with Christmas lights.

Last Friday (November 27) a district-wide switch-on event took place which saw the Christmas lights come to life across Warwick, Leamington, Kenilworth and Whitnash.

The event was broadcast live on social media and replaced the usual lights switch-ons, which had to be adapted due to the pandemic.

Warwick's lights were switched on by the Mayor, Cllr Terry Morris and the Mayor's Consort Liz Jackson.

This year residents have been quick to point out on social media that the usual 'Merry Christmas from Warwick' lights, which usually hang in Jury Street, are not there.

Instead lights featuring the iconic bear and staff have been installed, which can been seen clearly when travelling in either directions on the street - unlike the previous lights where the writing would appear backwards going one way

The change comes after Warwick Town Council had issues finding matching bulbs for the 'Merry Christmas from Warwick' lights, which were 10 years old.

Last year some of the bulbs were replaced but this meant some of the bulbs were slightly different colours, which prompted comments from residents on social media.

Following this the council decided to get some new 'bespoke' lights for the town.

Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger, Leader of Warwick Town Council, said: "After 10 years, the bulbs were failing and having tried to match them unsuccessfully and with more bulbs going it was decided last year at Warwick Town Council's committee to replace the cross street lighting for 2020.

"We wanted these to be bespoke to Warwick and to be read from both sides therefore deciding on no lettering and the council are delighted with this year's lights."