ANOTHER challenging year for fundraising has been predicted by the head of Dunbar’s Christmas lights team.

Volunteers ensured that the town centre was sparkling with an array of lights over the festive season, despite fundraising events being cancelled throughout 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Graham Adams, chairman of the town’s Christmas lights team, was pleased with what was on display on High Street but warned it would be another challenging year when it came to raising money for the 2021 display.

He said: “It has been another good year for the Christmas lights.

“I would say it is our biggest display we have done yet so we will see if we can improve on that this year. The biggest challenge is going to be fundraising this year.”

Coronavirus restrictions meant social gatherings were not an option, which saw fundraisers, including a race night and quiz night, cancelled.

When it comes to the switch-on, Dunbar High Street would usually be packed with people, including visitors from outside town, in preparation for the spectacular festive display. Instead, last year, the Christmas lights team had to get creative to make sure people were still involved.

An online talent show and a sponsored cycle from Dunbar to Lapland, with volunteers pedalling static bikes set up on High Street before former Preston Lodge High School pupil Robin Tremmel covered the last few miles in Finland, helped bring in money.

READ MORE: Robin rides final miles to Lapland

Meanwhile, a virtual switch-on took place on a near-deserted High Street.

Mr Adams, who is also vice-chairman of the town’s community council, told members during an online meeting: “We will plan for a switch-on event – fingers crossed we can do so.”

The annual Christmas lights display costs about £8,000, with money usually collected through fundraisers and sponsorship of signs in the town.