Havering Council has secured sponsorship to ensure every town centre will now be able to celebrate Christmas 2025 with lit Christmas trees and street light decorations.
This is thanks to the generosity of a number of sponsors who have come forward to help light up the borough’s town centres over the 2025 festive season.
Marlborough Highways who stepped in last year to help save Christmas will once again be donating along with two new sponsors for this year, local businesses Elm Site Services and AJS.
We are also expecting further sponsors to be announced in the near the future.
The sponsorship funding will be topped up with Council money from the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) to ensure all town centres are able to celebrate Christmas once again.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“It is great news that we have managed to secure the sponsorship needed to support Christmas in our town centres.
"My sincere thanks to Marlborough Highways and the two other local businesses Elm Site Services and AJS who have also stepped in.
"Along with additional money from our Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), together we have ensured Havering can still celebrate Christmas.
“Due to the continued financial challenges the Council faces – it was clear that we were sadly unable to fully fund Christmas lights, lit trees and events this year because of the urgent need to make savings.
"We have no choice due to the year-on-year Government reductions in funding and the escalating costs in social care and homelessness.
“However, I know how important it is for our town centres and communities to be able to celebrate the run-up to Christmas and also for our high streets to look and feel festive to encourage people to shop local this Christmas.
"It continues to be a challenging time for local businesses and as part of our Keep it Local campaign. We will always do all we can to support our local and independent retailers.
“I am delighted that once again all our town centres will be able to uphold our festive traditions in Havering this Christmas.”
Nick Reading, Operations Director, Marlborough Highways, said:
“Marlborough Highways has a longstanding history working alongside Havering Council to serve and support this vibrant borough.
"This year, we are once again thrilled to contribute towards the Council’s festive celebrations, helping bring holiday cheer to residents and visitors alike.
“We understand how shared spaces can unite communities, particularly during the season of giving, and are proud to help keep Havering’s much-loved traditions alive.”
Mick Steel, Director of Elm Site Services, said:
“Elm Site Services are pleased to be able to help bring some joy to Havering town centres and high streets this year by sponsoring the lights and trees.
"We hope all the residents enjoy them and we hope the businesses in the town centres and high streets benefit from having them.”
PJ O’Connor, Managing Director at AJS, said:
“At AJS, we are proud to support the Havering Christmas celebrations. Community is at the heart of what we do, and we are delighted to help bring some festive cheer by sponsoring this year’s Christmas trees and lights.”
The Council is still looking for businesses to support town centre activities.
If businesses are interested, please contact us at advertising@havering.gov.uk