ABOUT US
Guiseley Lights are a Community Interest Company (CIC) made up of local like-minded residents. Since 2016, the team of volunteers have dedicated their time to light up Guiseley and bring festive spirit to the community every Christmas.
How It Started...
Born in 2016 out of an idea between friends to bring the community together, Guiseley Lights’ first event was to host a street party celebration in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday. The party brought together people of all ages to share picnics and stories, a sight not seen on Towngate for many years. Keen to build on the party’s success and the buzz created around the town, Guiseley Lights went on to fully take over the management of the town’s Christmas Lights from Leeds City Council.
Two Yearly Events...
Made up of around 20 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, the group organise two annual events to help improve the Christmas lights displayed from late November through to early January. The first event in the calendar is the Summer Street Party which has a changing theme (St Oswald’s, The Jubilee, Guiseley at Seaside), and then after months of hard work planning and installing lights and displays, the year ends with the switch on of the Christmas Lights and a fantastic fireworks display.
Fundraising...
The Guiseley Lights CIC works exceptionally hard to raise funds to hold the events and improve the lights displays each year. They approach local businesses, corporations within the town and also reach out to other community groups to help raise the money needed. All proceeds rollover from one event to the next with no dividends being taken by any individuals. There are many sponsorship opportunities available for such items as the main stage, the hand built Nativity scene at Towngate and sponsoring the motif displays. The team often hold other events throught the year too, as well as take on personal challenges to raise much-needed funds.
With each event growing bigger and better, the Guiseley Lights team always need more volunteers to support their vision to grow and engage the whole community. If you want to get involved and be a part of a fantastic team, email us at guiseleylights@gmail.com.
