Bridge traders banking on a brighter Christmas

The Bridge lights cost around £3,000 to stage and were switched on last week by Father Christmas.

Most of those costs are covered by local traders, but there’s next to nothing left to pay for improvements to the display.

Now, with the undisclosed financial support of Butterfield, organisers plan to upgrade the lights which run along the harbour in St Sampson’s.

Martin Search, who has coordinated organisation of the Bridge lights for 25 years, said: “Every year it costs the Bridge community approximately £3,000 to stage the lights. This doesn’t allow for the many man hours donated. Every other year we try to make improvements, but struggle. Butterfield’s donation will allow us, at a later stage, to replace the harbour lights.”

“It’s most important for the community to keep the festive spirit alive as it’s about our future and when you see the smiles on the children’s faces, you’d give anything.”

Paul Ingrouille, head of client services at Butterfield in Guernsey, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to support the cost of the Christmas lights on the Bridge because it helps spread some festive cheer. I’d also like to pay tribute to volunteers, like Martin Search, who ensure we have lights to enjoy year after year.”