Festive displays are decorative installations, often involving lights and seasonal decorations, placed in public areas to celebrate the festive season. These displays enhance community spirit and encourage commercial activity in town and village centers. As the Local Highways Authority, Wirral Council plays a crucial role in ensuring these displays are safely installed and maintained. We regulate the process through a permitting system, ensuring that all displays meet safety and operational standards under Section 178 of the Highways Act 1980. This oversight helps protect both the public and the integrity of the highway infrastructure.
How to apply
To install festive displays on roads in Wirral, organisers must complete a formal application process. Applications are required to be submitted digitally by 31 August each year. The process involves providing detailed information, including contact details, insurance documentation, and risk assessments, along with a schedule of the decorations to be installed. The council reviews each application on its merits, ensuring compliance with safety and operational guidelines. Successful applicants will be notified by 30 September, after which a permit will be issued, allowing the installation of the festive display.
Key requirements and guidance
When applying to install festive displays on public highways, organisers must adhere to several important requirements (full guidance found in Wirral's Festive Display Policy):
- Permit Requirement: All festive displays must receive a permit from Wirral Council. No decorations can be installed without prior written consent.
- Insurance: Organisers must provide proof of public liability insurance, covering up to £5,000,000, to protect against any claims related to the display.
- Installation and Removal: 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.
- Safety Standards: 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.
- Electrical Work: Only qualified personnel are allowed to handle electrical installations, and all equipment must be tested and certified before use.
- Traffic Management: Organisers are responsible for implementing and maintaining appropriate traffic management during the installation and removal of displays, following all relevant guidelines.
- Maintenance: Regular inspections of the displays are required to ensure they remain safe and secure throughout the festive period.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that festive displays contribute to the community's enjoyment while maintaining public safety and the integrity of highway infrastructure. Full guidance can be found below in the Festive Display Policy.
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 must be completed with all required details, including the location of the display, contact information, and confirmation of insurance coverage. The form also includes sections for providing technical specifications and compliance with safety and electrical standards. Incomplete or incorrect forms will not be accepted.
Festive display policy
This document outlines the rules and guidelines for installing festive displays on public highways. It includes important information on safety, installation, removal timelines, and electrical requirements. Organisers are advised to review this policy thoroughly to ensure their application meets all necessary criteria. View the festive display policy (PDF, 289KB)
Contact details for submission
All application documents must be submitted electronically to Wirral Council by 31 August each year. Ensure that all forms are completed accurately and attach the required supporting documents, such as insurance certificates and risk assessments.
- Email for submissions and enquiries: festivedisplays@wirral.gov.uk
- Submission Deadline: 31 August (or the next working day if it falls on a non-working day)
- Permit Issuance Notification: By 30 September (or the next working day if it falls on a non-working day)