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NABMA sponsor chosen for Bath Christmas Lights

Tuesday 11 August 2009

Blachere Illumination has provided lights for cities from New York to Paris and this November it will be bringing its unique brand of brightness to Bath.

 

The firm, which is based in Fife, has been awarded a five-year contract to provide Christmas lights for the city which will be turned on this year by Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage.

 

The Leaving Las Vegas star will switch on the lights on Thursday November 26 which will also mark the opening of the 2009 Bath Christmas Market.

 

Traditional light bulbs will be replaced with LEDs by Blachere Illumination which will also be responsible for festive lighting in Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Keynsham, Combe Down, Weston and Larkhall.

 

B&NES Council started looking for a new contractor and launched a competitive tendering process for this year’s Christmas lights in December 2008.

 

Kent-based lighting supplier Millennium Quest held the previous contract for the last five years.

 

A total of six firms applied for the new £65, 000 a year contract although none of these were from the B&NES area.

 

Blachere Illumination has provided Christmas lighting for Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh and won the contract to provide Bath’s yuletide lights following a competitive tendering process.

 

B&NES Council’s cabinet member for development and major projects Cllr Terry Gazzard (Cons, Abbey) said the new displays will boost business and contribute to a vibrant community.

 

He said: “B&NES Council is pleased to be able to provide new Christmas Lights for the district’s main shopping centres.

 

“Unlike other local authorities, the Council does not require businesses to make a contribution to the contracted displays and I am sure they will be particularly pleased we can make this provision at this time of recession.”

 

Christmas Lights will be turned on in Keynsham on Friday November 27 and in Midsomer Norton on Friday December 4.