IT HAS been a part of the Avenues calendar for 12 years. But this year, the Newland Avenue Christmas lights switch-on has been cancelled.
Newland Avenue Traders' Association was unable to fund the lights this year. Many residents are disappointed but the traders are already planning fundraisers to light up Newland Avenue next year.
Ann Percy, chairman of Newland Traders' Association, said: "We're going to be back bigger and better than ever."
The traders are still holding a Christmas event in Newland Avenue next Wednesday, because they don't want to let locals down.
"The traders started doing the switch-on to give the community something back," Ann said.
"They're using the area and using the businesses in the area to buy from."
The Christmas event will be opened by special guest Jean Bishop, also known as the Bee Lady, at 6pm.
Fairground rides, food stalls and local community stalls will be lining the street.
KC will also announce the winner of its Cabs of Culture design competition, to decorate phone cabinets, and there will be a competition to win a family ticket to The Deep.
Although it is not an official switch-on, Ann said the businesses that have lights up will be switching them on at 6pm.
To pay for the road closure and Christmas lights last year, Ann estimated it cost the association about £8,000.
She said: "It's down to funding, we don't have the money this year. It's a lot of money for a community group."
Newland Avenue will be closed from Lambert Street up to Alexandra Grove for the event.
Although Ann knew it was going to be a tough job, she had hoped they could raise the cash.
But the group missed out on funding deadlines after almost disbanding because of a lack of interest from other traders.
Ann said: "We'd lost touch with what we're about.
"We sent a letter out saying it was make or break time."
After renewed interest in the traders' association, Ann decided to carry on but had missed the deadline to receive funding from Hull City Council.
There are now almost 20 traders on the committee.
She said many in the area, and even some of the traders, did not realise the association funds the lights.
"Hopefully, next year people will help us," she said.
• Do you have a story about the Avenues? Call 01482 315058 or email Phoebe Jackson at p.jackson@mailnewsmedia.co.uk
• Business news for Hull and East Yorkshire
