The cost-of-living crisis has mounted pressures on Christmas celebrations across the country and Pudsey, West Yorkshire is having one of its most challenging Christmases to date.
Pudsey has become known for its extravagant displays and switch-on events in recent years, but 2024 has seen significant reworkings.
Funding from the council has slightly increased over the last five years, but it hasn’t matched the rising costs of events like these.
It’s estimated that only 60% of the expenditure this year has come from the council- the other 40% has been self-sourced.
Simon Seary, elected Conservative Councillor for Pudsey, has been vocal on the volunteer work and financial factors to facilitate a switch on.
“We’ve invested heavily into our own trees and our own string lights, all of which are delivered by volunteers.
“This year, we’ve also removed eight motifs, potentially freeing up £2000 to put into different pots so we could buy some more trees.”
Seary also said that one motif “can cost £260 to hire for the month” and how that means Pudsey has had to spend and think differently.
Pudsey has also faced attacks on their displays in recent years, leaving the future viability of the event up in the air.
The full interview with Cllr Seary can be found below.