HELP us light up Romsey.

That’s the message from Kai Drake and a group of friends who are rallying round to ensure that the town’s Christmas lights sparkle this December.

Kai, whose family are staunch supporters of the town’s annual carnivals, including the winter parade when Romsey’s festive lights are switched on says it is vital to keep traditions going.

He fears for the long-term future of the Christmas lights after the town council agreed to slash spending on the festive decorations.

Councillors cut funding for the lights from £8,000 to £4,000 and the savings were ploughed into a £120,000 pot to cover the cost of repairs at the town hall.

“We can’t let Romsey go into darkness at Christmas. It is important to make sure Romsey keeps on shining. Currently there are six people in the group and we hope to raise around £4,000 with events throughout the year and that’s why we need volunteers to help,” said Kai.

He has organised a special meeting at the Abbey Hotel next Monday (March 2) evening for anyone interested in a fundraising campaign to help pay for the festive lights.

The group’s first two fundraisers are on Saturday, March 28.

A table top sale will be held at the town hall between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Tables cost £5 or £7 and admission is 20p per person.

A quiz night wil be held at Romsey Abbey Hotel at 7pm the same day. There is a £5 charge per team of four.

Kai added: “For £10 people can sponsor a new twinkly Christmas light bulb and they get their name on the sponsors list and the chance to turn on Romsey’s Christmas lights.”

Town centre manager Mark Edgerley said: “Romsey Town Council is committed to supporting every effort to continue the successful Romsey Christmas lights,” said Mr Edgerley, who is looking for commercial sponsors and grants to help pay towards the lights.

“Early indications are that there is a lot of local support for the lights for which we are very grateful, so we are convinced all the fundraising will be successful,” added Mr Edgerley, who pointed out the lights are not cheap.

“The budget for the lights including replacements and repairs is around £20,000 each year, with designated reserves we hold at the council plus an allocation in next year’s budget of £4,000 we are some £6,000 short for this year.

“We also need to build reserves for future years to cover repairs and replacements,” concluded the town centre manager. To book a table for the sale or to enter a team for the quiz night call 07554 644344 or email fundraising@romseychristmaslights.org.uk.