Christmas lights sparkle in Victoria |11 December 2019

The pine tree outside the Post Office all lit up (Photo: Jude Morel)

Numerous people and families had taken their spots on the surrounding benches and pavements outside the Post Office in Victoria yesterday evening to witness the lighting of the Christmas Tree and enjoy a spot of Christmas carols.

As dusk settled over Victoria, a group of children of La Misère choir started the evening off with a spot of Christmas Carols before Mayor of Victoria, David Andre, turned on the beautiful lights adorning the humoungous pine tree outside the facility.

Mayor Andre noted that all the lights around Victoria will be up and sparkling this week and that it had not been possible to erect them prior to this week on account of the persistent heavy rainfall.

“The lights couldn’t be put up earlier due to the heavy rainfall and we have found that the earlier they are erected, the costlier it is as they get wet and have to be repaired. Some places had not been connected such as the Peace Park since there were musical shows over the weekend and we know the displays tend to be vandalised after shows so we opted to avoid such disappointments this year,” he explained.

Asides from the Post Office, Christmas decorations have been placed in Peace Park and close to La Passerelle café. In addition to some old favourites including an oversized Santa Claus, a new gold and red tree has been placed at the Peace Park, and is sure to catch the eye of passers-by.

“Some of the decorations are new. The new Christmas Tree at Peace Park is beautiful but the decorations don’t come cheap. The tree at Peace Park cost around R86,000. In total we had a R1 million budget to decorate the town and this covers not only the new decorations but also covers the cost of the contractors to place them and then dismantle them,” Mayor Andre explained.

As the light was turned on, the carols kept going giving those in the Christmas spirit a chance to see the other decorations around town come to life.

Marjorie Asba, who brought her three young children to witness the lighting of the tree, thoroughly enjoyed the brief ceremony and the decorations.

“I feel as though the decorations are not much this year since not many businesses are participating and decorating their shops but the big decorations are very nice. The kids especially enjoy coming every year or driving around town to admire the lights. The carols are also a nice touch to get everyone in that Christmas mood,” she said.

All decorations and lights to be displayed around town are expected to be up and shining bright throughout this week.

Laura Pillay