Council confirms date for the Willenhall Christmas Light switch-on after online confusion
The Christmas Light switch-on in Willenhall will take place on Thursday, November 26 2026
A date has been confirmed for the Christmas Light switch-on after some confusion emerged online between councillors.
Councillor Simran Cheema, Labour councillor for Willenhall posted on Facebook on Wednesday (October 14) that Reform who have a majority control at Walsall Council had cancelled the event.
Cheema said that “due to sheer self interest, cancel culture, personal vendettas and egotistical point scoring, Reform UK have cancelled the Willenhall Christmas Light Switch On on 20 November in Willenhall.”
The Labour councillor had said that she had been “quietly working behind the scenes since June 2026 to organise this years festive light display and switch on event in partnership with community organisations and members.”
In response, Reform UK Party - Walsall also posted a Facebook message on Wednesday (October 14) to say that the date for the Christmas Lights switch-on is Thursday, November 26 instead of the Friday, November 20 date that Councillor Cheema shared online.
The party said: “Willenhall’s Christmas lights switch is planned, and has always been planned for 26th November, with a funfair, stalls, choir and plenty of festive entertainment. Councillor Cheema has been invited to get involved, but so far we have received no response.
“Unfortunately, Cllr Simran Cheema took it upon herself to organise a separate event for 20th November, ordering Christmas lights and contacting contractors without council authorisation. Councillors cannot simply order goods and bill them to the council.”
A spokesperson for Walsall Council has also confirmed the event will take place on November 26.