Is it time to rethink lighting as a
year-round investment?

UK Councils and local businesses typically see their biggest investment in lighting during the festive season. Of course, when the evenings get lighter and the days get longer, it can be hard to argue why a seasonal investment was so worthwhile. So - could Councils and local businesses make their lighting displays suitable for use 365 days of the year?

In this blog, we want to challenge Councils and business owners to think outside the box and understand how seasonal lighting can become a year-round investment.

Does a good lighting display benefit the local community?

The short answer is - yes! Here’s just some of the reasons why we recommend a careful strategy, good quality lighting, and thoughtful displays:

• LEDs improve productivity and safety: LEDs, traditionally part of the Christmas display, are brighter, flicker-free and provide consistent illumination that enhances the working environment and communal feel around shops, offices and public spaces. This reliable, high-quality lighting encourages people to linger longer, boosting footfall and contributing to local economic activity.

• Flexible solutions: When you invest in lighting with the intent of using it all-year-round, you’ll want plenty of options to switch things up. Incorporate dimmer switches, sensors, or motion detection to maximise efficiency and extend bulb life and easily adjust the display for different seasons, events, or times of day.

• Better lighting = less crime: Well-lit streets, squares, and pedestrian areas reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour and petty crime, while also making residents and visitors feel safer. Consistently illuminated public spaces encourage more evening activity, which in itself can act as a natural deterrent to criminal behaviour, creating a pattern of safer, more welcoming streets.

• More welcoming: Lights make an area feel warmer and more welcoming, encouraging people to spend more time (and money). A particular favourite are tree wraps, notorious for adding a touch of magic and whimsy, whatever time of year, encouraging visitors to explore and enjoy communal spaces.

• Summertime appeal: Pubs and restaurants are now making great use of festoon lighting to create an inviting outdoor space for diners and revellers!

• Building brands: Smaller shopping quarters can create a memorable brand identity by choosing iconic or unique lighting, such as festoon or light ceilings, for narrower streets and quiet corners.

A great example for local Councils and business owners is Wednesfield High Street in Wolverhampton. Their festoon lighting has been used all year round to create an iconic atmosphere that draws in crowds, whatever the season. The simple use of neutral festoon lighting has been incredibly effective. They realised that when you improve the feeling of safety, create a warm environment, and use thoughtful touches in your lighting arrangements, you’re able to encourage people to spend more time in public places. Increasing the footfall of their high street has been really successful - and we’d encourage others to look to Wednesfield High Street for inspiration.

"The lighting on trees and at the church have had a wonderful impact on the high street."

Councillor Craig Collingswood¹

Lighting that works all year

A well planned lighting display could be a real asset to your community all year-round, regardless of whether you’re a council or business owner. We think the advantages to well considered, versatile lighting become clear.

Well lit places increase local revenue because they invite people out. Whether they’re wintery snowflakes or festoons in the summer, good lighting and a warm atmosphere will encourage people to stay out late, socialise as a community, and visit their local high street for retail and hospitality.

Reducing costs through smart planning

Installing and removing lighting arrangements, such as tree wraps, each year can be a major undertaking, often requiring road closures, volunteers, and local staff. Ulverston Council² released figures in September 2025 that reflect the costs involved in last year’s display: “The council spends a minimum of £20,000 per annum on the town’s Christmas Lights. This is the cost of putting them up and down and maintaining them.” Many councils mitigate this expense by leaving lights in place and simply switching them off outside of the festive season. With a little planning, however, these existing displays can be switched on throughout the year, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that benefits communities, local businesses, and visitors alike.

Did you know?

Well‑designed public‑space lighting in UK town centres enables people to spend more time enjoying retail, leisure and hospitality after dark — making lighting not just a functional asset, but a commercial and social one.³

Variety is the spice of the season

Creating a year-round lighting display for your local community, can be both engaging and cost-effective with just a few thoughtful choices. Choosing a single product that has interchangeable motifs or themes allows you to keep things fresh and exciting for each season or event. These interchangeable motifs are perfect for capturing special moments and sharing on social media: glistening snowflakes in winter, hearts celebrating Valentines Day in February, floral and coastal designs welcoming in the summer months and spooky pumpkins in October.

Another example of a versatile lighting is the use of uplighters in trees, which offers a beautiful and dynamic way to celebrate nature’s changes: highlighting bare branches in winter, or drawing attention to lush leaves and vibrant canopies in the warmer months. By simply adjusting the colour of the lights, you can reflect the mood of each season, sparking curiosity and even creating teachable moments for younger members of the community.

These simple touches not only enhance the space but also help build a sense of connection and wonder all year long.

Where to go from here

It’s time to stop seeing lighting as a short-term seasonal splurge, and start viewing it as a smart, strategic investment - one that delivers a measurable return long after the festive lights are packed away. While Christmas-specific motifs are often at the forefront of seasonal displays, a strategic design with inclusivity and year-round use in mind allows Councils, BIDs, and businesses to maximise their ROI. Longer-lasting displays encourage visitors to spend more time in public spaces, boost local footfall, increase sales for retail and hospitality, and reduce ongoing installation costs. The result is welcoming, vibrant spaces that benefit communities, attract visitors, and strengthen the local economy. With careful planning, a clear strategy, and a thoughtful solution, you can create a long-term lighting display that can boost the local economy, and improve the safety on our streets. 

References:

1. High Street to stay illuminated permanently

2. Christmas Lights and Town Dressing

3. Seeing clearly: How lighting can make London a better city

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Is it time to rethink lighting as a year-round investment?

Is it time to rethink lighting as a
year-round investment?