Rob Nixon, Head of Markets at Stoke has advised that Christmas 2006 saw the first of a number of initiatives by Stoke-on-Trent City Council aimed at improving its markets. As a result, Tunstall Market, a 60 stall refurbished Victorian market (grade II listed) became the first market to benefit from a professional Christmas lights scheme.

Following a promotion by Blachere Illumination, a corporate sponsor of NABMA, and their attendance at the Nabma conference in Glasgow, Stoke-on-Trent arranged for a no obligation site survey of its markets.

Blachere presented visuals of several proposals and costs. As a result a decision was made to target one market with a view of rolling out decorations to other markets if successful. Traders at Tunstall were shown the visuals and were keen to proceed, particularly as the cost was to be borne by the authority!

Installation took place over several non-market days.

The installation comprised of:

8 LED joylight W:2mtrs, L:5mtrs 230v white leds white cable

14 LED FL414 Tree lights 7x30mtr 24v c/w transformer

16 KIT 9mtr garland, 6 skts and 6 star flash B22 rubber cable

2 LED FL414 tree lights 7 x 30mtr 24v c/w transformer

The cost including installation and removal was just over £10,000. Was it a success?

Undoubtedly, though expensive when compared with the more traditional green garland decorations the result was certainly impressive with both traders and customers indicating that the lights had made a real difference to the seasonal feel good factor.

Notably one lady rang to thank the council ‘…for bringing Christmas back to Tunstall’

Rob Nixon was delighted to confirm that “Blachere and its ‘local’ authorised installer were professional and understanding of the particular installation difficulties of both a market and its listed building status”.

Garry and Ronnie Brown of Blachere Illumination admitted they were delighted to help “make a difference” at Tunstall. In welcoming the link up with NABMA, Ronnie Brown confirmed “that Blachere will be pleased to advise any NABMA member on festive lighting. We offer a full service with many options in design, delivery and funding – please do not hesitate to contact us whatever your need.”

Stoke-on-Trent is now looking to install a similar lighting scheme in its other markets over a phased period.

The lights at Tunstall will be used again in 2007 and may have a small addition of new lights to slightly change the visual.

Anybody who wishes to know more detail on the purchase or installation scheme can contact Rob Nixon on Tel 01782 232716.

Contact Blachere Illumination at

www.blachereuk.com or call 01337 832910