Great Malvern traders seek funds for improved Christmas lights

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Traders in Great Malvern have launched a £16,000 fundraising campaign for improved Christmas lights to boost footfall.

Traders in Great Malvern are campaigning for better Christmas lights to encourage more footfall after last year's event was branded disappointing. The traders claim last year's display failed to light up the whole of Church Street, though they were told this was due to infrastructure limitations in the area.

Shelee Mairs, owner of Chocolate Avenue on Church Walk, has launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking £16,000 for improved lights. She said: "Christmas is when we need to make money" and stressed that footfall is low after summer. She is encouraging the community and larger retailers to support the fundraiser to ease the burden on independent businesses.

The campaign has raised £820 so far. According to the fundraiser, improvements are planned along the way, with a lit walkway installed by Abbey Road last year. This year, organisers are hoping to light the walkway in the Priory in time for Christmas, with a full switch-on aimed for 2027. Some residents have expressed disappointment with recent displays on the fundraiser's Instagram page.

How it is being reported

• Great Malvern traders urge support for £16,000 Christmas lights campaignTraders in Great Malvern are calling for better Christmas lights to encourage more footfall.Malvern Gazette · 16 Oct, 05:00
• Great Malvern traders urge support for £16,000 Christmas lights campaignTraders in Great Malvern are calling for better Christmas lights to encourage more footfall.Worcester News · 16 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Great Malvern · Shelee Mairs · Chocolate Avenue · Church Walk · Abbey Road · Priory

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