SOUTHEND’S Christmas lights switch-on was scrapped because of uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 when preparations started in March.

Bosses at Southend Business Improvement District say they had to take “a more cautious approach” as the event would draw thousands of people to the town centre.

They said larger events, like the fireworks, were planned later when restrictions were easing.

It comes after criticisms from traders about a lack of an official switch on for the town to mark the start of the festive period.

Instead there is a series of 12 Christmas-based events planned for the town.

A spokesman said: “Southend BID started planning for Christmas in March and a great deal of consultation was involved in the decision making.

“Due to ongoing uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 at the time, combined with the fact that previous Southend switch-ons have attracted thousands of people, it was decided that a more cautious approach, incorporating a series of smaller events across a five-week period, would be safer.

“It was important to still draw a substantial amount of footfall into Southend; just in a safe and manageable way.”

They said discussions with several other BIDs and local authorities at that time, including Chelmsford BID and Basildon Council, all reached the same conclusion.

Echo: Happy times in the past when crowds gathered in Southend for the lights switch-onHappy times in the past when crowds gathered in Southend for the lights switch-on

The spokesman added: “Southend’s firework displays were planned at a later date, when government restrictions on Covid were easing and guidelines becoming more relaxed about large scale events.

“This, coupled with the fact that the seafront is a larger and more open space than the High Street, meant the decision was made that these celebrations would be a lot more manageable and would therefore go ahead. We appreciate that Southend’s switch-on event is a popular event in the community’s winter calendar.

“However, we hope our ‘12 Events of Christmas’ will spark equal amounts of joy, whilst proving to be safer and more reflective of Covid-19 risks during the winter period.”

The business organisation said each event being hosted as part of our ‘12 events of Christmas’ will be a smaller, safer festive celebration and they hope it will inspire happiness without causing residents concern, whilst still drawing locals and visitors to the town.