COUNCILLORS have supported plans to hold a scaled-down night-time event in Wellington Park next year.

It had been previously discussed by Wellington Town Council’s economic development committee about a Night Walk Garden of Light event – with the park being turned into a magical and peaceful place with lighting and sound with the help of artists and local schools run by Fuse Performance Ltd.

But the committee was last month put off somewhat by a projected £17,000 price tag and were still debating at its latest meeting on November 13 when revised costs had come in at £13,566.

Cllr John Thorne said: “I think it’s a good idea and a good event. I think the town would welcome it and it would be supported.

“There are snags with it, however, such as possibly charging people to come into the park.

“But the problem with it is the money. It will cost £13,500, but Fuse is predicting £7,000 from ticket sales. I just don’t think there’s any way they’d bring in that sort of money.

“I don’t think we can justify spending £12-13K on a one-night event. It doesn’t wash with me and I don’t think it would wash with the taxpayers.

“I would like to see the event happen, but the costs have to come down.”

But the Mayor, Cllr Janet Lloyd, gave the event a big fat thumbs down.

“I haven’t changed my position on this from last month,” she said. “I’m totally against charging people to go into Wellington Park and I still think it’s a lot of money.”

Cllr Steve Mercer, who had initially been very much in support of the event, said: “This has grown a little too big for my liking.

“I have become concerned about the money involved and I was thinking this event was going to be something a bit more quiet and relaxed.”

But councillors agreed that it should put make £8,000 available in its budget for the event and to tell Fuse to look for external sponsorship to make up any shortfall.

A date for the event was also proposed at being October 25, 2025.