Festive displays often involve lights and seasonal decorations. They are placed in public areas to celebrate the festive season. They enhance community spirit and encourage commercial activity in town centres.
Wirral Council plays a role in ensuring these displays are safe. We regulate the process through a permitting system. This ensures all displays meet safety and operational standards. This falls under Section 178 of the Highways Act 1980. This helps to protect the public and the integrity of the highway infrastructure.
How to apply
To install festive displays on roads in Wirral, organisers must complete an application form below. Applications should be submitted by 31 August each year. Applicants need to provide information including contact details and insurance documents. They should also provide a risk assessment and a schedule of decorations to be installed.
The council checks each application to make sure it meets safety guidelines. Successful applicants will be notified by 30 September. After that, a permit will be issued, allowing the installation of the festive display.
Requirements and guidance
Applicants must follow some important requirements. Full guidance is in Wirral's Festive Display Policy:
- all festive displays must receive a permit from Wirral Council. No decorations can be installed without prior written consent
- organisers must provide proof of public liability insurance. This should cover up to £5,000,000, to protect against any claims related to the display
- displays can be installed starting in October and must be removed by mid-February. Decorations should only be illuminated from the last weekend of November until the second week of January
- all decorations must maintain safe clearances from roads and pedestrian areas. The use of pedestrian railings, road signs, or safety fencing for mounting displays is strictly prohibited
- only qualified people are allowed to handle electrical installations. All equipment must be tested and certified before use
- organisers must implement appropriate traffic management during the installation and removal of displays
- regular inspections of the displays are required to ensure they remain safe and secure throughout the festive period
These guidelines aim to ensure that festive displays contribute to the community's enjoyment. They look to maintain public safety and the integrity of highway infrastructure. Full guidance can be found below in the Festive Display Policy.
Festive display policy
This document outlines the rules for installing festive displays on public highways. It includes information on safety, installation, removal timelines, and electrical requirements. Organisers should check this policy to ensure their application meets all criteria.
Festive display policy (PDF, 289KB)
Apply
Below are the essential documents required for submitting an application to install festive displays on public highways in Wirral. Each document must be carefully completed and submitted by the specified deadline.
Festive display application form
This form should include:
- the location of the display
- contact information
- confirmation of insurance coverage
- technical specifications
- compliance with safety and electrical standards
Incomplete or incorrect forms will not be accepted.
Ensure that all forms are completed accurately and attach them to the email address below (such as insurance certificates and risk assessments).
Applications must be submitted by 31 August each year (or the next working day if it falls on a non-working day).
Download the festive display application form (editable PDF, 245KB)
Email application forms and enquiries to festivedisplays@wirral.gov.uk
What happens next?
Confirmation of permits to be issued by 30 September (or the next working day if it falls on a non-working day).