Does light turn-on lack the X-Factor?
Previous Christmas lights switch on in Leven High Street.
IS Leven’s big Christmas light switch-on missing the celebrity sparkle seen in other towns?
It’s a question recently debated by Levenmouth’s councillors, with one suggesting that inviting a big name to the town to do the honours along with the Rose Queen, who has traditionally flicked the switch on her own, could be good for business.
Councillor Andrew Rodger, though, found himself in the overwhelming minority at Wednesday’s meeting of area councillors at Buckhaven Community Centre, with the rest of the committee saying the town’s money could be better spent than filling the pockets of a minor celebrity.
Councillor Alistair Hunter said: “I like to see the Rose Queen and civic team doing it right, rather than cash going to some TV celebrity’s management company’s pockets.
“If we’re going to invest money we should invest it in the community; not some fad.”
But Cllr Rodger said the huge crowds which flock to Kirkcaldy venues when pop stars or reality TV show faces are in town shows there is an appetite for their appearances.
He claimed the cost of their booking would be insignificant compared to the boom in business that High Street traders could see.
Cllr Rodger said: “I was in Kirkcaldy when there was a singer from Boyzone (Keith Duffy) – who is now in ‘Coronation Street’ – at Kitty’s.
“The High Street was mobbed and I didn’t see them rushing back home again when it was over.”
Cllr Charles Haffey said he didn’t believe there was an issue with poor attendance at the Leven ceremony.
The discussion came during a request from Fife Council to the committee to provide £10,000 towards an event and festive decorations for Christmas 2012 in Leven.
Councillors approved the request.
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Weather for Kirkcaldy
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 3 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
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Temperature: 6 C to 11 C
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