MORE than £220,000 was spent on Glasgow’s Christmas Lights switch on event and festive illuminations last year – despite the fact there were no fireworks as part of the celebration.  

Through a Freedom of Information Request submitted to Glasgow Life, the Glasgow Times found the total cost of the 2023 switch on in George Square came to £76,650.  

The event, which took place on Sunday November 19 and was hosted by Clyde 1 presenters George Bowie and Cassi Gillespie, featured a range of entertainment including Michelle McManus, country singer-songwriter Kevin McGuire and Soul Nation Choir.  

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We previously reported that organisers said they would not have fireworks at the ceremony and wanted to focus on live performances and the switch on itself.  

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life confirmed this year's event will also not have fireworks to reflect "the more environmentally-friendly approach we introduced last year" and to allow money to be spent on "other programming". 

In 2023, Glasgow Life also spent £150,000 (excluding VAT) on the light show Glasgow Illuminated that was projected onto the City Chambers from Sunday, November 19, until Tuesday, January 2, with the total cost for both coming to £226,650.  

The 30-minute light show took place each day from around 3.30pm until midnight, and featured scenes inspired by the North Pole, Elves Workshop and Santa and his reindeer, while visitors to George Square could walk through snow effects on the ground.  

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In 2019, the Christmas Lights switch on cost Glasgow Life £135,250, with £7695 (excluding VAT) of that total going towards the night’s fireworks display. 

In 2020 and 2021, due to restrictions in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was no switch-on event, but Glasgow Illuminated was projected onto the City Chambers during those years for the first time.  

In 2020 the show cost the council £199,345 while in 2021 it cost £160,000, both excluding VAT. 

In 2020, 2021 and 2023, the light show has been provided by 21cc Group Limited.  

The Freedom of Information Request found that 2022 was the most expensive Christmas Lights switch on event in recent years, costing Glasgow Life a total of £299,500.  

Fireworks were part of the event that year but, despite asking for a review, we were unable to find out the amount spent on fireworks.  

The response to the FOI request said: "I take the view that the release of this information would, or would be likely to, substantially prejudice the commercial interests of Glasgow Life and the supplier for the event."

Glasgow Illuminated did not take place in 2022, with Glasgow Life saying at the time that it would not return because it "was developed in response to Covid-related restrictions".  

A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: "The Christmas Lights switch-on in George Square signifies the start of the festive season for many, and is always a highlight of Glasgow’s cultural calendar.

"The event, and the lighting display during the run-up to Christmas and the New Year, encourage people to visit the city, boosting business and contributing to the local economy.

"They also generate interest and involvement in Glasgow’s festive programme – which includes annual family favourites such as the Style Mile Christmas Carnival and Santa Dash.

"In keeping with the refreshed format introduced last year, the 2024 Christmas Lights event will focus on live performances as well as the switching on of the fantastic Christmas lights.

"There are no plans for fireworks to be included at the event, reflecting the more environmentally-friendly approach we introduced last year, which also allows for investment in other programming.

"The budget for the event is currently being finalised and we look forward to announcing further details of our festive programme in due course."