Sponsored Editorial

Your town centre Christmas lights are funded by your town centre businesses, which is why the Business Improvement District for Royal Tunbridge Wells, RTW Together, has commissioned a short festive film to showcase the town centre’s lights scheme, and the contribution of businesses towards making it happen!

The video is available to view on Youtube and on the BID’s website here.

The movie will also be on repeat in RTW Together’s ‘Living Gift Guide’ window displays on the Lower Mall of Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, showcasing support for town centre traders and their products, as well as within the Customer Service unit.

BID Director Sarah-Jane Adams, who created the visual concept of businesses handing Father Christmas a light bulb, said: “We hope this light hearted film will demonstrate the tangible link between town centre businesses and the funding they provide towards the lights scheme for Tunbridge Wells town centre.”

“We encourage everyone to give it a watch and share it on social media, to support the businesses who took part, and to showcase our community of traders in general.

“Your town centre needs you to visit this Christmas, so please drop by and do some shopping if you can – or enjoy the experience of seeing Santa visiting some of your local favourites via this project.”

The film was created by local filmmaker Simon Cossons, himself a resident of Tunbridge Wells town centre.

He explained: “I moved to Tunbridge Wells during lockdown and am only now getting the chance to explore the area. It’s really great to be able to get to know these businesses and capture the sense of community spirit on camera. Working with the BID is hopefully the start of a collaboration to document the vibrancy of the town and the things that are happening here.”

The town centre’s Christmas lights are provided and funded by RTW Together, with 2021 being the second year of the BID’s new scheme with Kent firm Gala Lights.

This year sees the introduction of a new reindeer light sculpture in Calverley Precinct, replacing last year’s snowman.