Leicester City Council takes the top spot for festive cheer in the Midlands, seeing the biggest year-on-year spending increase for festive light displays. That’s according to a new report by Monster-Mesh which compared FOI data across 73 UK council areas, to find out where festive budgets are being cut and boosted.
Across the Midlands, Leicester Council is expected to have increased their festive light display budget by the highest percentage year-on-year (14%). In 2024, it spent £144,271, however, this is expected to increase by around £20,479 this year, reaching a forecast £164,750.
Just behind this, Coventry City Council will also see a 14% increase in spend, which equates to an increased budget of £140,000. That’s £16,899 more than in 2024, where £123,101 was spent. Sandwell Borough Council saw an increase too, of £15,022 or 7% and Derby City Council’s budgets are forecast to grow by £6,273 - a 4% increase.
Wolverhampton City Councils are the only council which responded to the FOI request that reduced their 2025 festive light display budget. They made an estimated £8,000 reduction (7%). This took 2024 spending down from £119,000 to £111,000.
How Midlands Councils are changing festive light display budgets this year
- Leicester City Council (14%)
- Total spending: £144,271
- Total budget forecast: £164,750
- Estimated YoY spending change: £20,479
- Coventry City Council (14%)
- Total spending: £123,101
- Total budget forecast: £140,000
- Estimated YoY spending change: £16,899
- Sandwell Borough Council (7%)
- Total spending: £203,593
- Total budget forecast: £218,615
- Estimated YoY spending change: £15,022
- Derby City Council (4%)
- Total spending: £147,227
- Total budget forecast: £153,500
- Estimated YoY spending change: £6,273
- Wolverhampton City Council (–7%)
- Total spending: £119,000
- Total budget forecast: £111,000
- Estimated YoY spending change: –£8,000
Commenting on the findings, Mark McLennan, Founder at Monster-Mesh said,
“Christmas lights aren’t just decoration, for many towns they play a vital role in creating community spirit and drawing people back into high streets. So while we’re seeing some councils in the midlands scaling back direct spending, it’s no surprise others are choosing to invest more heavily. A well-run switch-on event can transform a winter evening, boost footfall, and give local businesses a much-needed lift during the busiest retail period of the year.
“Our analysis also highlights a clear focus on organisation and safety behind the scenes. Around 62% of councils are increasing their safety and security budgets for 2025. We’re seeing strong demand for fence and barrier covers from cities staging switch-ons, as councils work to ensure that festive celebrations feel welcoming, well-managed and safe for all to enjoy.”
Council spending across the UK
While many areas are cutting back and freezing budgets, others have allocated sizeable increases. Lights and switch-ons help create a sense of community, and in some cases help to revive town-centres and drive footfall.
A significant number (40%), are still investing in their winter lights and events, with many of these councils noting that the additional spend is due to adding new or returning switch on events to the calendar, or replacing broken or outdated lights and decor.