18 December 2023
Thank you to Vaudin's Funeral Services for sponsoring the new lights in part of the Commercial Arcade.
These lights are in memory of all who have passed away in 2023.
Losing a loved one is always sad. We feel that these lights are a very poignant way to remember all those that have passed.
This lovely photo of the new lights was taken by Ben Fiore Photography.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and thanking you for your support again this year.
08 November 2023
The countdown begins for Guernsey’s Christmas Parade and light switch-on!
See the Christmas 2023 parade and light switch-on flyer.
Guernsey’s annual Christmas parade and light switch-on will return on Saturday 25 November.
Children in the Bailiwick will have the chance to meet Father Christmas and his team of elves as
well as handing over Christmas wishlists.
This year, Father Christmas will arrive, courtesy of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, at
3:40pm. There will be free hot chocolate and mince pies available to the public thanks to
Boatworks+.
The Parade begins at the Model Yacht Pond before continuing through Castle Emplacement and
along the bus terminus into Fountain Street before finishing at the Market Buildings at 4.45pm.
Peter Herbert , CFO of Handpicked Hotels and sponsor said: ‘We are very proud to be involved
in bringing the magic of Christmas to Guernsey this year. The Christmas Parade and light switch-
on is a wonderful way to welcome the festive season. We love to see the streets lined with
excited faces and hope the Guernsey public comes out in the masses again this year.’
For members of the public who prefer to wait in Market Square, entertainment will start at
4pm hosted by IslandFM with music from The Hope Choir.
Jax Robin, acting Chair of St Peter Port Christmas Lights, said: ‘The light switch on is a magical
start to the Christmas period and the culmination of a huge amount of work behind the scenes.
I never tire of seeing the lights being switched on and seeing St Peter Port burst into festivities.’
Following the light switch on, to enable as many people as possible to see Father Christmas and
his elves, he will continue through the Arcade, onto the High Street and down the Pollet.
Jax Robin added: ‘Santa’s letterbox will be arriving at the Guille-Allès Library on 20 November,
allowing children to post their letters to Santa. The Friends of Santa at YBG will ensure that
each child will receive a personalised response, so don’t forget to put an address on your
letter!’
26 September 2023
Guernsey Community Foundation helps light up Town this Christmas
The St Peter Port Christmas Lights appeal has received a £5,000 grant from Guernsey Community
Foundation towards new and replacement lights for this year’s annual display following a successful
appeal by the charity.
The annual display of lighting is switched on the last Saturday in November and Town remains lit up
over the whole festive period.
Jax Robin, trustee and acting chair of St Peter Port Christmas Lights, said: “We are absolutely thrilled
to receive this grant and so grateful to be recognised a worthy organisation by the Guernsey
Community Foundation.
“So far, thanks to Guernsey Post for our annual envelope drop and a campaign funded by Ninety
One as well as this successful grant application, we have raised just over £28,000 of the £30,000
needed. So, with our deadline of 1 October fast approaching we are almost there which is fantastic.
“It’s been a particularly busy summer for businesses and the community, with a lot of pressure on
escalating costs, but we are asking people to help us with our final push to ensure that Town is lit up
beautifully over the festive period.”
Funds raised by St Peter Port Christmas Lights go towards the annual costs of testing, repairing and
erecting the lights.
In addition to the usual displays around Town there will be colour-changing festoon lighting along
The Quay between the Albert Pier and Crown Pier as well as a change in style of lighting in the
Commercial Arcade.
Foundation Chief Executive Jim Roberts hoped the grant would encourage smaller organisations to
ask for help. “While we tend to assist with larger projects and services, there has always been scope
within our Grants Programme to award smaller, targeted, one-off grants.”
For more information about how to apply for a Guernsey Community Foundation Grant, however
large or small, have a look at its grants page on www.foundation.gg, email grants@foundation.gg or
call the Foundation on 259523.
30 August 2023
Light Up Town this Christmas with Ninety Online
This September, as a proud supporter of our Guernsey community, Ninety One will be matching your donations to help make St Peter Port sparkle.
For every pound you give, up to £7000, the amount will be doubled.
Read more.
12th June 2023
Keep the Christmas Lights on!
Guernsey Post is kicking off this year’s fundraising efforts for the St Peter Port Christmas Lights
Charity for the seventh year in a row, as the charity aims to raise £30,000 to switch the Christmas
Lights on in town again this year.
Dawn Gallienne, Head of Corporate Engagement at Guernsey Post said “We are delighted to be
supporting the Christmas Lights charity again this year with our donation envelopes dropping
through everyone’s letterbox during the week of 12 th June. Islanders have been so generous with
their donations, and we managed to raise nearly half of what was needed through the envelope
drop last year which is fantastic”.
Jax Robin, Acting Chair of the St Peter Port Christmas Lights charity said: “Last year we raised a total
of £61,000 through various fundraising efforts, and we have been lucky to have enough left over to
cover this year’s repairs and replacements required as well as a much-needed piece of testing
equipment. Earlier this year we successfully applied to the Economic Development Committee for a
grant of £15,000 from the Events Committee which we are really grateful for. This brings the total
we still need to raise down to £30,000 to ensure we can again create the magical sparkle.”
She continued “Town is wonderful at Christmas; the lights really do create the festive atmosphere
which increases footfall and ensures town is alive & buzzing as people enjoy the magic of it all. We
are so grateful to everyone who donates, we could not do it without your continued support and
every penny really does count.
The charity will also be selling a number of festive items through its website and social media pages
from September. They will also have a stall at the Round Tables Christmas Charities Fayre.
St Peter Port Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 26th November 2022
St Peter Port Christmas Lights Switch On – Saturday 26th November 2022
This year the Parade will be starting at 3.45pm, when Father Christmas will be arriving by fire engine near the Model Yacht Pond, before taking the Petit Train around town.
There will be entertainment taking place in the Market Square around the Christmas Tree from 4pm, before Father Christmas and his elves come to join in the fun and turn on the lights at 5pm.
After switch on Santa and his elves will walk through the Arcade, along the High Street and down Le Pollet. Retailers will be staying open till 6.00 pm for Christmas Shopping.
22nd November 2022
Christmas Lights charity needs funding for future
The St Peter Port Christmas Lights charity has launched a second fundraising scheme aimed at
restoring St Peter Port’s wire supports, fixings and power supplies which all make up the
infrastructure that facilitates each year’s displays in time for Santa’s St Peter Port light switch-on.
The new fundraising campaign has been run in conjunction with Jumpman Gaming who have begun
the fundraising activity with a £2,000 donation. The Christmas Lights charity is aiming to raise
£25,000 to support the redevelopment of St Peter Port’s Christmas Lights infrastructure over the
next 3 years.
Jax Robin, Acting Chair and Trustee of St Peter Port Christmas Light charity, said: ‘Every year we aim
to raise £36,000 to enjoy the lights in our streets around the festive period. This year we have a
greater challenge to raise an additional £25,000 over the next three years, to restore the
infrastructure that supports the display. These important works will ensure that future displays are
safe for the community.
‘We would like to thank Jumpman Gaming for kicking off the infrastructure fundraising. Upkeep of
the infrastructure has been traditionally involved with our annual fundraising activity however, due
to the amount of development needed for this year’s display, we have decided to set up a dedicated
fundraising campaign. Thankfully, Jumpman Gaming’s donation has allowed us to begin work ahead
of the 2022 display.’
Jumpman Gaming’s donation will directly be used to support infrastructure changes in the Old
Quarter, Mill Street, Mansell Street and Contree Mansell. This area, which is at the top of the priority
list following a recent maintenance report, is currently undergoing the start of a rejuvenation
programme.
Kris Kukula, Managing Director at Jumpman Gaming, said: ‘The St Peter Port Christmas lights are
enjoyed by everyone who travels into town during the festive season. It’s crucial that this staple
celebration in Guernsey’s calendar is safe for years to come. We’re delighted our donation can make
a small step in securing this fantastic display.’
The charity will also be selling a number of festive items through its website and social media pages
from September including Christmas napkins, aprons, Christmas cards and cushions and will be
holding its annual quiz on 12th November to raise money for this year’s display. They will also have a
stall at the Round Table’s Christmas Charities Fayre at Beau Sejour on Sunday November 20th.
27th October 2022
Fundraising for St Peter Port Christmas Lights
St Peter Port under the Christmas lights is simply stunning. Join us for a stroll through town talking about the early days of a busy, small port & Guernsey Christmas traditions.
Start at the Victor Hugo statue, in front of Town Church and finish with Mulled Wine & Mince Pies in Town Church.
£10pp (£5 under 15s)
All proceeds to St Peter Port Christmas Lights.
Walk approx 1 hour.
7pm Wednesday 7th & 14th December 2022
6:30pm Monday 19th December 2022.
For booking or more information please contact Jo May on 07911 716940 or email jomaytours@outlook.com.
6th October 2022
St Peter Port Christmas Lights Media Statement
The St Peter Port Christmas Lights is delighted to announce that we have reached our fundraising
target for 2022 with the support from donations received from the envelope drop, on-line and
PayPal as well as a £15,000 grant from Committee For Economic Development.
We thank all donors, however big or small, in particularly Guernsey Post our main sponsor for their
continued support, Ninety One for their Island FM radio matching donations campaign during
September, Creasey's, M&S Plastic Bag Fund, LINQ kitchens + bedrooms, Le Petit Train and Walter
Property. Without you all we would not be able to provide the magic of the Festive atmosphere in St
Peter Port for so many of you to enjoy.
We are humbled by your generosity as always but even more in these difficult economic times.
The testing and erecting programme begins 9th October to be ready in time for Santa to ‘switch on’
the Christmas lights on Saturday 26 th November 2022. More details to follow.
It’s never too late to donate.
Jax Robin
Acting Chair
31 August 2022
LIGHT UP TOWN THIS CHRISTMAS WITH NINETY ONE
We all look forward to seeing the Christmas lights in St Peter Port which will once
again switched on by Father Christmas in Market Square. The date for your diary -
Saturday 26th of November.
BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP! All this month, we're continuing to raise
contributions to make sure the Christmas St Peter Port illuminations are as
spectacular as possible.
Locally based investment manager Ninety One have offered to help and
encourage everyone to get involved.
Ninety One has operated in Guernsey for 25 years, with offices in St Peter Port
providing investment services to wealth managers and pension funds. It’s also a
global business -- an active investment manager with clients around the world.
This month, (1-30 September 2-22) as proud supporters of the community they
live and work in, Ninety One will be matching your contributions to help ensure
the important target to raise funds is met. This means that for every pound you
donate, the actual money raised will be doubled!
DONATE NOW!
We will keep you posted as to the progress being made throughout the month.
Let’s make this Christmas lights spectacular – Light Up Town this Christmas
with Ninety One.
07 July 2022
Guernsey Post Media Release
Keep the Christmas Lights on!
Guernsey Post is supporting the fundraising efforts of the St Peter Port Christmas Lights Charity for
the sixth year in a row as the charity aims to raise funds to switch the Christmas Lights on in town
again this year.
Dawn Gallienne, Head of Corporate Engagement at Guernsey Post said "We are really pleased to be
able to support the fundraising efforts of the Christmas Lights for the sixth year running. The donation
envelopes will be dropping through everyone’s letterboxes during the week of 11th July, but you can
also donate online via the website Christmaslights.gg."
Jax Robin, Acting Chair of the St Peter Port Christmas Lights said: "The Christmas Lights are so
important to the festive atmosphere in town, and we really hope people can support us again this
year. Costs to install the lights and remove them again after Christmas have increased by 12% but that
is the first increase, we have had in six years and if everyone in Guernsey donated just a £1, we would
hit our required target of £40,000."
The charity will also be selling a number of festive items through its website and social media pages
from September including Christmas napkins, aprons, Christmas cards and cushions and will be
holding its annual quiz on 12th November.
Jax continued "We are so grateful to everyone who donates, every penny really counts. Town is
magical at Christmas when it is lit up and we really don’t want the lights to go out this year".
26 September 2021
Media Release
Dear Guernsey Community
On behalf of the St Peter Port Christmas Lights Charity, I am writing to express our sincere gratitude for
all the donations received towards the 2021 festive display. Thanks to all of you who’ve supported us,
once again St Peter Port will be ‘Merry & Bright’ this year. The Christmas Lights switch on is set to go
ahead on Saturday 27 th November. It’s a great opportunity for people to enjoy the lights and support
local retailers.
This year we faced an uphill struggle to reach our funding target in time and this makes me even more
appreciative of the continuing support you have provided in this, my 5 th year of being the face and voice
of the charity. I am humbled by your generosity in response to our fundraising campaigns as well as all of
Guernsey media for the coverage that our fundraising campaigns have been given as well as to Guernsey
Post, for their envelope door2doors, ensuring that we have reached as much of the Guernsey
community as possible.
For 2022 we need to find a new Chair to lead our charity and to drive our fundraising forward as after 5
years I feel it is time for the charity to have new leadership and I wish to become involved with
something new. We will let you know as soon as we are able what is planned for going forward to ensure
the continuity of Christmas lights in town.
If anyone would like to have a chat about leading the charity from 2022, please get in touch either by
email: jaxr@cwgsy.net or ring me on 07781 139007.
In the meantime I’d like to reassure everyone that any monies received over and above this year’s target
will be carried forward towards the 2022 festive display and although a little early, I’d like to wish you all A HAPPY, MERRY & BRIGHT CHRISTMAS.
With heartfelt thanks
Jax
JAX ROBIN
CHAIR
15 September 2021
Media Release
St. Peter Port Christmas lights festive display in danger of being smaller this year
St. Peter Port’s annual town centre Christmas lights display is under threat as donations to
the charity organising the lights have fallen short of the annual target.
The display has been the responsibility of the St. Peter Port Christmas Lights charity for the
past five years. Each year the charity performs safety checks on over 30 festive arrays,
hundreds of light strings and display rigs, before overseeing a six week out-of-hours
installation programme. The annual programme costs £36,000 (plus extra for replacements
when funding allows) and includes provision for safety maintenance through the Christmas
period.
“What households go through every year getting their Christmas tree lights working, we
have to do on a giant scale for the whole town!” said Jax Robin, Chair of the St. Peter Port
Christmas Lights charity.
But now, the lights may not go ahead as planned because annual donations have fallen
short. “We need at least £5,000 to ensure this year’s display goes ahead as planned,”
Without the money for safety checks the charity has said it will face difficult decisions to
scale back the number of streets it can safety illuminate this year.
“The lights provide an important feel-good factor for the island’s Christmas economy. Now
more than ever, we need a full lights display to help people feel that normality is returning
after what has been another difficult year for so many islanders.”
Peter Tom CBE and owner of Boatworks+ said: “We’re keen supporters of the Christmas
illuminations, which are an essential part of St. Peter Port’s festivities – lifting our spirits and
helping us celebrate after another difficult year.”
Contractors are due to start on 13 October, meaning time is of the essence.
25 June 2021
Guernsey Post Media Release
Keep the Christmas Lights on!
The St Peter Port Christmas Lights Charity is working with Guernsey Post again this year to raise funds to keep the Christmas lights bright in Town.
From Monday 28th June posties will once again be delivering donation envelopes to residents and businesses. Dawn Gallienne, Head of Corporate Engagement at Guernsey Post said “We are really pleased to be able to support the fundraising efforts of the Christmas Lights again this year. The lights create such a wonderful festive atmosphere and are something that can be enjoyed by everyone at Christmas.
Jax Robin, Chair of the St Peter Port Christmas Lights said: “We have been blown away by the success of the envelope drop. The community have been so generous each year, and we were able to obtain a grant from Economic Development last year which we were especially grateful for as it helped us to reach our fundraising target.
Ms Robin added “We know how important the Christmas Lights are to everyone and we really want to keep the lights on not just for this Christmas, but for the foreseeable future so we are asking people to sign up to become an annual donor - a Friend of the Christmas Lights. If you do this, you will be helping to provide a kickstart to each year's fundraising to keep our town magically lit during the festive period.
24 November 2020
THANK YOU
On behalf of our charity team, I thank Guernsey Post for their fourth year of sponsoring the envelope door2door, all who have donated to this year’s lights, without you both we just wouldn’t have such a wonderful display in our town. Thank you also goes to Economic Development, for making up the shortfall in support of the ‘Revive and Thrive’ Strategy. We are so humbled by the support we receive and the delightful comments we get.
I thank and applaud Mario and his team from our Contractors: Event Group who work very long, unsociable hours for 7 weeks getting the lights tested and erected each year and then trouble shooting whilst the lights are on. Thanks also to Guernsey Electricity for their continued sponsorship of the power used.
Thanks go to all the food, tableware, winners’ prizes and raffle prize donors for our Annual Christmas Themed Quiz as well as to all the quizzers who attend the event each year. We also thank TPA for our website.
Last but not least, we thank Santa and his elves, the organisers, sponsors, Petit Train, parade members and comperes of the 2020 Switch-On as well as Dr Nicola Brink for her help and attendance, without her Guernsey wouldn’t have been able to have such an incredible event.
You did it Guernsey, you fulfilled our 2020 envelope motto ‘Let’s make Christmas the BRIGHT spot of the year’ – we have wonderful Christmas lights in St Peter Port. THANK YOU.
I wish you all a very Happy, Merry & BRIGHT Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
21 September 2020
WE WILL HAVE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Jax Robin, Chair of St Peter Port Christmas Lights said, our slogan this year was ‘Let’s make
Christmas the BRIGHT spot of the year’ and is now delighted to announce that they now have all the
funding required to commission this year’s festive display . Hopefully Christmas will be the BRIGHT
spot of this rather dark year.
Thanks to the amazing generosity of the people of Guernsey for all their donations, you raised over
£25,000.00. Thanks as well to Guernsey Post for sponsoring the fourth envelope Door2Door giving
all island residents and businesses the opportunity to once again get in the spirit of the
#GuernseyTogether. Also to Deputy Joe Mooney who knowing we had approached government for
the shortfall and not had any response, took up the reins ensuring that Economic Development
granted us the remaining funds to ensure this year’s display went ahead.
We now wait for Santa to ‘Switch-On’ the lights which this year will take place on Saturday 21st
November 2020. This is a week earlier than usual to help support the #reviveandthrive of our High
Street plus boost the ‘feel good’ of us all by giving us the joy of seeing the lights for longer.
More details about the switch-on will follow in due course.
We hope that Guernsey residents support their local retailers more than ever and in doing so
businesses are able to survive; giving hope in what has been a dark and difficult year for many.
There are still a few tables left for our Annual Christmas Themed Fundraising (for 2021) Quiz, this
year hosted by Josh Gabriel on Saturday 14th November, 2020. See www.christmaslights.gg for
details or email jaxr@cwgsy.net
20 September 2019
Media Statement
Town will once again be adorned with Christmas Lights thanks to the generosity of the people of
Guernsey and funding received from The States of Guernsey.
Jax Robin, Chair of the St Peter Port Christmas Lights says that after in depth communication
with Deputy St Pier, funding has been received to cover the cost of purchasing the
replacement lights and infrastructure required for 2019 in the sum of £13,504.50. With these
expenses paid this brings the total now banked to just over the £33,000.00 required for
testing, erecting, insuring, storage and de-rigging of the 2019 display. As for previous years,
all donations received from now onwards will go towards future expenses.
Jax and the team are both heartened and delighted that Deputy St Pier and the Committee for P & R
have recognised the importance of keeping Christmas lights in St Peter Port to support the Town’s
economy and the welfare and happiness of the community of Guernsey during the festive period. On
behalf of the Charity she thanks all who have made contributions to the ‘Don’t let the lights go out’
campaign over the past 3 years and although it may be a little early, she wishes everyone a ‘Happy,
Merry & Bright Christmas 2019’.
Santa’s Switch On will be Saturday 30 th November 2019 – more details to follow later.
06 August 2019
‘Over Half Way There’
The St Peter Port Christmas Lights fundraising for 2019 which was launched on 20th May has now passed the ‘half way mark’ and Chair; Jax Robin is delighted to say that fundraising has reached £17,650.00 towards the £33,000.00 needed.
We are now on the home stretch, we need to raise the other £15,350.00 by end of August / mid-September in order to confirm with our contractors that testing and erecting of the lights can start in October.
People often ask ‘why so much?’ Here’s a breakdown of the annual costs;
- Contract to test, erect & de-rig
£27,500.00
- Road Closure Signs for erecting & de-rigging
£1,000.00
- Public Liability Insurance & Storage Insurance
£2,400.00
- Storage Rental
£1,000.00
- Maintenance Allowance
£1,000.00
Here is a reminder of our 2019 envelope and on the back you can see the stark contrast of Town with and without Christmas lights. The majority of islanders enjoy seeing them and Santa enjoys switching them on. The date for this year’s Switch-On is Saturday 30th November.
If you still have an envelope, please put your donation in and return it FREEPOST to us or if you need an envelope please contact us on 07781 139007 or Guernsey Post on 711720 and we will get one to you.
You can also donate through PayPal by following the link in our Facebook page or website www.christmaslights.gg or directly into our bank account if you email jaxr@cwgsy.net for details.
We are getting excited about seeing all the lights again and hope you are too. Please help us to make sure Town is bright and cheerful again this December. Thank you.
14 Nov 2018
Le Bordage joins in Christmas Lights Festival for the first time in 15 years - thanks to Fujitsu
Fujitsu, the leading global technology company, has today announced its commitment to making a donation to the St Peter Port Christmas Lights Charity, which will enable Le Bordage to participate in this year’s Christmas Festival for the first time in 15 years.
Fujitsu believes in connecting and empowering communities, and wants to create a digital future for the island of Guernsey. Fujitsu has already been working with Sigma on the island for over 20 years, and by sponsoring the festive lights Fujitsu is demonstrating its commitment to supporting people, businesses and communities in Guernsey.
Jax Robin, chair & trustee of the St Peter Port Christmas Lights Charity said; “In September we reluctantly took the decision not to light Le Bordage due to a shortfall in donations. This was obviously extremely disappointing for the community, therefore we were delighted when Fujitsu agreed to provide funding, which means everyone in Le Bordage will now be able to enjoy the festive lights.”
Duncan Tait, Senior Executive Vice President, Fujitsu, said, “As a global company, Fujitsu wants to bring the best technologies to Guernsey, from our experience of implementing them around the world. We believe this will allow Guernsey to unlock a world of opportunity - today, tomorrow and beyond.”
Robert Sillars, CEO at Sigma, said: “The Christmas Festival lights display is a great spectacle for the whole community and we are delighted that our partner, Fujitsu, has made it possible to extend the lights to Le Bordage. The festival provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy some festive entertainment and enable everyone to share the Christmas spirit”.
2 Jun 2018
Earlier in the year, we received a £900 donation from NORTHERN TRUST and here's what they had to say:
“The Northern Trust Charitable Trust in Guernsey is pleased to support the St Peter Port Christmas Lights. Employees in our Guernsey office dressed down for the day to raise funds, which were matched by our Charitable Trust,” said Dave Sauvarin, country head Northern Trust, Guernsey. “At Northern Trust, we’re committed to supporting charities and organisations in the communities in which we work. The St Peter Port Christmas Lights is a key local charity helping enhance the festive environment for Guernsey residents and visitors to Guernsey.”
29 Jun 2017
Guernsey Electricity have agreed to cover the cost of electricity used by the St Peter Port Christmas lights for a third straight year.
5 Jun 2017
Our collection boxes for the 'Buy a Bulb Campaign' are now in the Coop.
Please continue to give generously to ensure we have lights in the Commercial Arcade and make a great headstart towards next years total.
2 Jun 2017
Thanks to the amazing generosity of you, the people of Guernsey, we will have lights this Christmas.
We have just passed the £35,000 so we can test, maintain and erect in October and take down again however we still need £2,900 to reach the £7K target for the replacement Arcade lights - please keep donating.
Anything we collect over this will go towards 2018 - it doesn't stop now.
5 May 2017
Guernsey Post is supporting the St Peter Port Christmas Lights charity with its ‘Buy a Bulb Campaign’.
From Monday 8th May posties will be delivering donation envelopes to residents and businesses. If every Islander were to donate £1, the collective sum would financially cover the cost of the lights for this year.
read press release
28 April 2017
Received a cheque for £7,020 from entries to the Guernsey Press Fantasy Formula 1.
1 January 2017
The charity is now independent of the Constables of St Peter Port.
