Purpose

Decision made and reasons:
Decision: To approve the award of the delivery of the Festive Light programme for the borough, a multi-year contract (1 + 1 + 1 year) awarded to the highest scoring bidder after successfully completing a competitive tender process through the Hertfordshire Supply Portal.
Reason:
The Festive Lights Programme will provide a coordinated and high-quality seasonal offer that supports town centre vitality, encourages visitor footfall and strengthens the borough’s local economy during the festive period. The programme places a strong emphasis on place making, community wellbeing and creating attractive, welcoming town centres that encourage increased dwell time and support local businesses.
The programme will also support wider regeneration and economic development objectives by enhancing the appearance and attractiveness of key public spaces during the Christmas period.
The Festive Lights Programme will provide a clear framework for the planning, procurement, installation and management of festive lighting displays, ensuring value for money, effective coordination and measurable outcomes. The programme will support continued partnership working and provide a platform for future seasonal initiatives and town centre activation opportunities.
To support delivery of the 2026 Festive Lights programme, funding has been secured through DBC’s Stronger Communities Fund.
Background:
Historically, Dacorum Borough Council (DBC), through the Economic Development (ED) team, has contracted and managed the provision of festive lighting.
DBC is responsible for organising and managing the installation, maintenance and removal of festive lighting for Hemel Hempstead (New Town and Old Town) and across eight neighbourhood centres. This includes commissioning the contractor, overseeing delivery, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
The Hemel BID organises and delivers the Hemel Town Centre switch on event, which is dependent on DBC providing the festive lighting infrastructure on time. Ward Members lead on organising the neighbourhood centre switch on events, supported by the ED Team.
The Festive Lights programme supports:
•Town centre vibrancy and increased footfall
•Community cohesion through switch-on events
•Place-making and civic pride
A total of four quality submissions have been received from experienced lighting specialists. Commercial Board approved the decision to award the contract to the preferred bidder on 18 June 2026.

Decision

To approve the award of the delivery of the Festive Light programme for the borough, a multi-year contract (1 + 1 + 1 year) awarded to the highest scoring bidder after successfully completing a competitive tender process through the Hertfordshire Supply Portal.

Alternative options considered

•Option 1 (recommended) – continue with the award contract to the preferred bidder who has been identified as the most suitable supplier in terms of quality and price, as per the framework guidance.
•Option 2 (not recommended) - Do nothing. This is not considered to be an option as to not have a festive display would have a detrimental effect on the economic benefit and community engagement that these events foster, and there would undoubtedly be reputational risk through negative feedback received from residents and businesses should a festive lights programme not be delivered.