Kent town turns its Christmas lights ON in February to lift spirits

Tis-n’t the season! Kent town turns its Christmas lights ON in February to lift spirits amid bleak winter weather and lockdown misery

  • Festive lights have been switched back on in Tankerton, near Whistable, Kent 
  • Locals voted in favour of illuminations to lift up spirits amidst the pandemic
  • ‘Everyone needs a bit of light and sparkle through lockdown,’ says organiser 

A Kent town has turned its Christmas lights on in the middle of February to help lift spirits amid bleak winter weather and lockdown misery.

Tankerton, near Whistable, switched off its lights as normal at the start of the New Year.

But as Kent battled through some of the highest infection rates of the country, and Storm Darcy brings snow and ice to the county, locals have decided to bring some joy. 

Tankerton in East Kent has brought its Christmas light as the county copes with gloomy winter weather and England’s third national lockdown

Hundreds in the town, near Whitstable, donated towards the festive February display - even adorning the town's closed pub

Hundreds in the town, near Whitstable, donated towards the festive February display – even adorning the town’s closed pub

Most shops have been forced to close as a result of the pandemic - but the return of the festive display offered a chance to breathe some life back into the town

Most shops have been forced to close as a result of the pandemic – but the return of the festive display offered a chance to breathe some life back into the town

Hundreds donated cash towards bringing the lights back, courtesy by a group of local businesses called Talk of Tankerton. 

While most shops and all pubs have had to close due to the ongoing pandemic, their fronts have been lit up as part of the display.

The most recent case numbers showed 12 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the area in the seven days to February 3.

It has an infection rate of 173.5 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average. 

Co-founder of Talk of Tankerton Julie Corke said: ‘Our Christmas lights were so well-received over Christmas.

The festive lights are put up each year by Talk of Tankerton, group made up of local businesses

The festive lights are put up each year by Talk of Tankerton, group made up of local businesses

Co-founder Julie Corke said: 'Going into a lockdown straight after Christmas and New Year, it just seemed having to turn the lights off was going to be too dull and too dark for everyone'

Co-founder Julie Corke said: ‘Going into a lockdown straight after Christmas and New Year, it just seemed having to turn the lights off was going to be too dull and too dark for everyone’

Ms Corke added: 'Everyone needs a bit of light and sparkle through lockdown to make them smile'

Ms Corke added: ‘Everyone needs a bit of light and sparkle through lockdown to make them smile’

‘But going into a lockdown straight after Christmas and New Year, it just seemed having to turn the lights off was going to be too dull and too dark for everyone.

‘Everyone needs a bit of light and sparkle through lockdown to make them smile.

‘We switched them off, then among ourselves discussed turning them back on.’

Over £1,200 has been raised to far, way over the target of £300.

The extra money will go towards this December’s lights. 

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