RESIDENTS in Basingstoke have been left disappointed after it was revealed there are no plans to switch-on Christmas lights in the town once again.

As previously reported, Basingstoke's shopping centre Festival Place has launched a series of festive events in a bid to count down to Christmas.

The centre has decided to offer six weeks of festive fun instead of an official light switch-on event as was tradition up until 2018 when its festive event hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

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Visitors described the switch-on as “chaotic” and an “absolute shambles”, claiming there was “nothing Christmassy” as organisers failed to provide a tree or Santa Claus, instead choosing to light up a giant owl.

It was not the first time a light switch-on in Basingstoke has caused chaos. In 1999 TV hardman Ross Kemp switched on the lights drawing an unexpectedly large crowd of 10,000 people.

Four people were taken to hospital in a crush and the show had to be abandoned.

The Gazette asked residents on Facebook how they felt about the situation and the feeling of disappointment has been shared by many.

Kimberley Green posted: "We go to Eastleigh's light switch on every year since that shambles. It's such a good community spirit and kids love it. Just a shame we have to travel to another town but definitely worth it."

Meanwhile, Kayleigh Boulton said she thinks it is time the town "learnt from it and moved on" and residents "shouldn’t have to miss out".

Rebecca Parsons agreed and posted: "That was four years ago, that's like saying you aren't going to go back out there and try to get back on the saddle after a fall, people are now having to travel further afield for these events and we have a perfectly good town for the event itself."

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Other residents took a different view.

Gina Russell posted: "As I saw on the news along with Kent County Council, Hampshire is near bankruptcy, use the money it would cost for something else."

Keith Longman agreed, he posted: "Maybe the council could use a portion of that money to donate to a local charity in desperate need of funds. Merry Christmas."

The leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Bound said: “The Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane launched Christmas in Basingstoke on Saturday, November 19, when he switched on the Christmas lights in The Malls accompanied by music and performances from local groups.

“The council has arranged a packed programme of free activities and entertainment for people of all ages in the run-up to Christmas, to support our families at a very difficult financial time. From arts and crafts, festive performances and a fantastic range of small businesses to support when shopping for your loved ones. There is something for all the family every weekend.”