THE charity LightUp Bude is beginning its journey to make Bude sparkle this festive season.

Following numerous complaints about the lack of lights and festivities in Bude, ‘Christmas mad’ Dani Jools, leader of LightUp Bude, attended a meeting in January with the town’s Christmas committee, who had lost faith in fundraising for Christmas lights for the town.

Dani then decided to take control and start fundraising for lights, decorations and other items to make Bude look more festive than it has in previous years.

So far LightUp Bude has held two quizzes that have generated a good turnout and much more positivity about the situation. The recent Bude Carnival also saw a lot of encouragement from the town, increasing interest and gaining sponsorship.

Dani said: “Our aim is to literally just generate enough money to put up lots of lights and to also create a really festive and close community, like in the old days! It will hopefully make a proper town gathering together, year on year. Padstow, Mevagissey and Clovelly have all managed to do it, so why can’t we?”

LightUp Bude is a non-profit charity, with every penny going towards the lights. Dani is paying for the set up and merchandise, as well as the displays and more.

Money boxes have been placed in local pubs and restaurants in Bude, which the charity is hoping will help bring in some funds.

Dani added: “Our crowdfunder will hopefully go well and by October, I am hoping to get some electricians in and to price up string lights all through Bude, and also to put up our rather traditional lights that we already have in storage like the wise men, angels and other things.”

As well as the events held throughout the year to fundraise for the lights, LightUp Bude will be participating in late night shopping events, as well as competitions with the shops and creating festive windows. They’re also promising the Santa’s Grotto to be ‘huge this year’.

To follow LightUp Bude’s challenge in making Bude festive, visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lightupbude or visit the crowdfunding page at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/light-up-bude