Portishead Christmas Lights

Portishead Christmas Lights is run by volunteers who are committed not only to make Portishead as festive as possible, but to be the best in the West in the category of 'Town Christmas Lights'. 

Portishead Christmas Lights Committee was formed in 1974 when what was the council then, was taken over by Woodsprings which would later become North Somersert Council. Unfortunately, there was no funds allocated for the Christmas Lights. A band of volunteers wanted to keep our Christmas lights and make Portishead as festive as possible, and took it upon themselves to take over the display. Things progressed from there. Year after year,  more volunteers came on board and the display has grown and grown. The Portishead Christmas Lights in 2018 represent  a ‘Golden Mile’ of festive illumination: through the High Street, extending up West Hill and the Waitrose Piazza. Every year, there is continuous work behind the scene to make the display better and better. 

We have a dedicated community team who meet regularly throughout the year to talk all thing Christmas lights. 

The annual cost each year for the lights is around £25,000. We receive an absolutely vital grant from Portishead Town Council but the majority of the monies is met by local fundraising. Over the years many local groups have generously chosen to raise money in various ways for the lights. This is much appreciated and has helped us to pursue a process of continual improvement.