THE VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY WHO HAVE JUST FOUR WEEKS TO SAVE CHRISTMAS

A tale of a true Christmas miracle. The Monton Village Community Association has only 24 days to save this year’s Christmas lights. 

For over 25 years Monton has been lit by beautiful Christmas lights from the buildings that are home to some of the best independent shops in Manchester to the trees surrounding them. This year should be no different, yet the pandemic has led to a lack of funding that the community so desperately needs to ensure Monton is back to its full glory this festive season. For two years, due to Covid, there were no MVCA events which led to money being taken out for the Christmas lights, but none going back in.

Residents, committee members, local councillors and the local MP have come together to create a crowdfunding page where every donation comes with a reward. From raffle tickets to dinners for two, the retailers from the small village are offering it all to ensure the community gets some much much needed morale boost this Christmas.

Save Monton's Christmas Lights! - a Community crowdfunding project in Manchester by Monton Village Community Association (crowdfunder.co.uk)

Lisa - Chair of MVCA, said:

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“I want to remind this community that we are all striving towards the same goal. We all want Monton to succeed. We all want Monton to be the best it can be. And none of us want to miss out on opportunities.”

On average, Monton’s Christmas lights cost £4500 per year, however this time, due to a number of logistical reasons and complications, this cost is much higher.

The association is now trying to crowdfund £20000, which, if achieved, Paul Dennet (Salford’s Mayor) would be able to match the funds for up to £10,000.

Lisa continued:

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“We have several elderly residents and a few residents who live on their own. During lockdown we had several socially distanced street parties. One of these was in Christmas 2020. We all had mulled wine, made pies, hot roast pork and stuffing rolls. It was truly magical. It gave a street who were having to face a Christmas which looked very different to their usual Christmas’ a massive morale boost. Do you know what my street remembers most about lockdown? Those street parties. A time where the street worked together to weather a storm. We want to be able to give our community the same morale boost with a free inclusive switch on event that celebrates community.”

Monton is now at risk of losing its Christmas lights. As well as avoiding that happening again, the MVCA want to create a whole new Monton Christmas light legacy. 

Monton used to have the Christmas Lights that every other village aspired to.  With your support, they can again.  

Save Monton's Christmas Lights! - a Community crowdfunding project in Manchester by Monton Village Community Association (crowdfunder.co.uk)