Leek Christmas lights switch on will be a smaller event than usual this year due to rising Covid cases, the town council has said.

Leek Nub News reported previously how one of the biggest events in the Leek calendar will be taking place a little earlier than expected this year, with the town's Christmas lights switch on being brought forward.

The town will be bathed in Christmas light once again after the lights switched on on Friday, November 19th - earlier than the expected date two weeks later of Friday, December 3rd.

However, the council says the switch on will be a smaller event this year with no parade due to high levels of Covid in the town.

The Christmas lights switch on was cancelled altogether in 2020, so it's still great to hear that this year's event is going ahead, albeit not quite at the same scale as usual.

A spokesperson for Leek Town Council said: "There has been considerable discussion by members of the Leek town council, regarding the planned Xmas lights switch on event. Taking the lead are Cllr Matt Swindlehurst who chairs the Events subcommittee, and Cllr Roy Molson, who is responsible for coordinating the stewarding."

Cllr Swindlehurst said: "Throughout the planning of this event we have taken advice from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's Safety Advisory Group, and Staffordshire County Council's Covid committee."

"Levels of Covid remain very high, both in the town, and the surrounding area. This situation, coupled with the potential for large numbers attending this popular event, informed our discussion last night.

"It has been decided therefore to make it a smaller event than previously. There will be no parade, and the community groups' gazebos will all be situated in the market place.

"As usual the main stage will be located at the bottom of Derby Street, in Sparrow Park, where there will be live entertainment featuring a local band 'Sound Party', as well as Moorlands Radio from around 4.30 onwards. John Collins Fun Fair will also be setting up in the car park in High St.

"We want everyone attending to have a safe, enjoyable time.

"It would help if all adults proposing to attend, would reassure themselves by taking a lateral flow test in the 24-48 hours preceding the event. We shall also be asking people to wear masks in shops, and other crowded areas.

"We look forward to seeing everybody there. And of course, the lights will go on!"