A crowdfunding scheme has been set up to finance this year’s Christmas lights in Great Dunmow. The Town Team has said if the money isn’t provided, the town could stay undecorated.

Dunmow Broadcast: Daniel CliffordDaniel Clifford (Image: Archant)

Zoe Brady from the Town Team, which is organising the festive celebration, said: “Without the cash, we could be the only town without Christmas lights. This is the third year we have held this event and it has grown each time, we anticipate a record turn-out this year.”

She added; “The town’s businesses are offering their support with donations of food and services. Now we hope the public will be donating.”

The sparkles are due to be turned on, on Friday, November 27, by Michelin-starred chef, Daniel Clifford who has taken over the Flitch of Bacon.

The road will be closed and the razzle dazzle will be provided by The Dunmow Theatre and Dance Group, the Helena Romanes School Band, Dunmow Wind Band and Great Dunmow Primary School Choir.

Mrs Brady said: “We own the lights, we bought them last year, but putting them up, taking them down and checking them for health and safety comes to £3,000. The town council has given us a grant of £500 but we need to raise the rest.”

As part of the fun, there will be mince pies and mulled wine, children can have their photograph taken with Santa Claus and there will be a special children’s tea at Scrumptious Tea Rooms.

The crowd funding will reward people who pledge various amounts. £2 will merit a badge saying “I saved Christmas for Great Dunmow”, other amounts will provide a child with tea at Scrumptious and a photograph with Santa Claus and for a really large donation, people can help Mr Clifford turn on the lights.

To support the Dunmow Christmas lights go to: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/DunmowXmas2015.