A DECISION has been made on whether Hereford will host a Christmas lights switch-on event this year.

Hereford City Council has confirmed no event will take place this year due to the "huge numbers" it would expect.

With the ongoing coronavirus situation, with rates currently rising in the county, Hereford City Council said it had taken the difficult decision not to hold an official ceremony.

And to avoid people gathering, they will switch lights on gradually at no set time – but they will come on on Sunday, November 21.

Clerk Steve Kerry said the council wanted to make sure people were safe, and did not want to encourage a large gathering.

Mr Kerry said: "Our priority is to ensure the public are kept safe and not encourage large gatherings.

"Councillors have taken the difficult decision to simply switch the lights on given the huge numbers we would normally see for this event.

"In future years we look forward to returning to a more traditional Christmas switch on – but for now, the public can still enjoy the stunning displays the city council has invested in."

The Old Market will follow a similar plan with their lights going on the same day.