AS the cost of living crisis continues to hit the headlines amongst soaring energy, fuel and food costs, it is no wonder thoughts have now turned to Christmas.

Some councils, including Guildford and Ely, have already announced they will not be switching on town Christmas lights this year, stating that they couldn't afford or justify the money.

It is a difficult subject, on one hand, spending the money on Christmas lighting could be viewed as a waste, but looking at the bigger picture, how would no Christmas lighting affect the High Street businesses? With no festive feeling in a town, how could you hope to entice the Christmas shoppers?

Well, the good news is that Calne town will be lit up for Christmas as usual thanks to some forward thinking and planning from Calne Town Council.

Mark Edwards, Head of Business at Calne Town Council told us: "Our plans are underway for Christmas lights – the units are LED and therefore low consumption. We pay for energy used from street lighting which is met from the Town Council Christmas Lights budget allocation.

"We see the lights as playing an important role in the lead up to the festive period starting with the lantern parade. We know that many residents take joy from the lights and we remain keen to support the town centre businesses and wider community.

"We know that energy costs are rising and that for many residents are worried about increasing energy costs."

Additionally, the Light Up Calne for Christmas campaign returns for 2022. The initiative was launched in 2020, when local resident Claire Willoughby feared the children in Calne would miss out on a magical Christmas amid the pandemic.

Light Up Calne for Christmas encourages residents to add a little festive sparkle to the outside of their homes to spread the cheer across Calne. It doesn't need to be a big expensive display - a few baubles in an outside tree, or a battery set of lights woven in to a hedge would work.

There will be a map of all homes participating in the scheme - if you would like to be added to the map, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..