Communities across East Lindsey find Hope and Light for Christmas

These heartfelt words are scribbled on a packing tag like the fictional one placed around the neck of Paddington Bear to keep him safe on his journey to London from Peru.

As the tag blows in the cool damp air tied to railings near a Christmas tree, it is easy to imagine a scene from a festive movie where the words would magically dance on the breeze and find their way to the 'Big Man'.

Messages from the heart are appearing at locations in four East Lindsey towns - Louth, Horncastle, Alford and Spilsby - where Hope and Light is being projected through a festival for communities facing a very different festive season this year.

Covid-19 has had a massive impact on independent shops across the district's pictureque market towns, with many only allowed to re-open last week after another month's lockdown.

However, in spite of festive markets being cancelled and the grim messages of staying safe and socially distanced everywhere you go, 1,000 members of the community were inspired to help people feel festive when they do venture into town.

Launched by the Different Light Collective in conjunction with East Lindsey District Council, the Hope and Light project has seen schools and groups designing crackers, Christmas trees, snowflakes and stars to be projected onto buildings.

Digital displays of short films showcasing the unique artwork have also been created to bring an empty shop in each town back to life.

Hope and Light launched on Friday and will run when darkness falls through December.

Louth Independent Traders held their late night shopping evening on Friday to coincide with the launch.

Gary Dennis, chairman of Louth Independent Traders, said he was amazed at the response to the project.

"We've supported the project from the start because of the way it brings the community together and promotes the town," said Gary, who owns M&G needlecraft shop.in Eastgate.

"Unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side when the project launched and we held our late night shopping event but as it is on all December there is plenty of time for people to come and see it without worrying about crowds and staying socially distanced.

"We will be discussing with the independent shops whether to stay open late again but hope people will still come and see us and enjoy the lights.

"We need all the help we can get right now."

Horncastle is also making the most of the festival, with a number of shops offering extended opening hours every Thursday in December.

Mayor Coun Fiona Martin said she was very excited to see the designs her grandchildren had created. "I think it's a lovely idea and I especially like the way empty shops have been brought back to life and used for light displays," she said.

"My grandchildren took part so I will be looking for their designs. The town looks lovely - we are trying very hard to bring the community some festive joy this Christmas."

Spilsby Primary Academy school children were also asked to take part for their town, creating Christmas cracker designs.

Leah, of Year 5, said: "I can't wait to see my design lighting up a building in Spilsby. Thank you for letting me take part".

And Elizabeth, of Year 2, said: "it was so much fun colouring in my cracker - I can't wait to see it".

Mandy James, proprietor of the Jolly Friar in Alford, said the displays really seemed to be cheering up customers.

"Our younger customers are especially enjoying them - and a smile goes along way especially in these testing times," she said.

Coun Adam Grist, East Lindsey District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and Rural Economy, said: “Hope and Light is a fantastic project to end a tough year and I’m delighted with the way our residents have really got behind it.

"With traditional Christmas markets not happening this year, we wanted to provide something special in our market towns this December and thanks to the wonderful community response we’re going to be able to do that.

"I hope our residents can find some time during December to support our wonderful local shops and take a look the amazing artwork that has gone into this project.”

Simon Hollingworth, Creative Producer for Different Light, added “We have been overwhelmed by the response from residents of the four towns and the whole district and some of the designs are just amazing.

"We never expected to receive as many as we did and we are delighted that so many people got involved.

"It may mean that people have to wait a few minutes to see their artwork appear as there are so many designs, but it’ll be worth the wait and we really hope that everyone enjoys them.”

WHERE TO SEE THE DISPLAYS

The projections and window displays will be available to view at the following locations:

• Alford: Projection: South Market Place, opposite Alford Library; Display – in the Library window

• Horncastle: Projection: St Lawrence Street, at the rear of Poynton’s Shoes; Display – 8 High Street

• Louth: Projection: Eastgate, above Heron Foods; Display – 19 Mercer Row

• Spilsby: Projection: High Street, near Cooplands; Display – The Old Butcher’s (next to the Red Lion).

In addition to the displays and projections, the Hope and Light team are also encouraging those visiting the towns to share their Hopes and Wishes for the coming year by completing a special weatherproof tag and affixing it to a display in the town centres. Tags are available from various shops within each town centre displaying a special poster. They can be fixed around the Christmas Tree barriers in Spilsby and Horncastle, the Manor House railings in Alford, and a designated tree in Louth Market Place.

Hope and Light is part of East Lindsey District Council’s Vital and Viable project, which aims to work with local communities in Alford, Horncastle, Louth and Spilsby to protect, promote and preserve the towns by keeping them thriving, clean centres which are attractive places to live, work and visit. More information on the Vital and Viable project can be found online: www.e-lindsey.gov.uk/VitalAndViable