​CHELTENHAM’S official Christmas lights switch-on party has been cancelled.

Council bosses say they do not have enough money to pay for the annual jamboree in Imperial Gardens because of a black hole in their budget.

Instead of the traditional celebrations, which usually feature performances by music acts and a celebrity turning the lights on, councillors now hope to organise an unofficial event with Regent Arcade and Beechwood Shopping Centre.

Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for culture, said: “The simple fact is we are short of money, so we are going to spend what we do have on making sure the lights are on and they stay on throughout Christmas.

“We want to work with Regent Arcade and Beechwood to organise something. We are not sure what that will be at the moment, but we have a lot of street performers who will perform for free.

“I hope people will understand. Everyone knows times are tough and there will be cut-backs.”

Last year, Cheltenham Borough Council spent about £80,000 on Christmas celebrations after health and safety fears forced officers to make changes to some of the electricity sockets on lampposts.

The usual cost is about £60,000, but Mr McKinlay said the council only has about half of that figure to spend this year.

Funding cuts by Whitehall have led finance officers to estimate they need to save £4.7 million by 2015 to avoid slipping into the red.

Despite the switch-on cancellation, the popular Christmas market will return from November 19 to December 5.

Town centre shops will stay open late throughout the seasonal period and New Year’s Eve parties will be held at the Town Hall and Pump Room.

Martin Quantock, town centre manager, said: ‘’Cheltenham never fails to deliver at Christmas time and this year is no exception, with fun being planned for all the family.

“There will be plenty to draw in the crowds with the shopping centres and Brewery hosting events, as well as entertainment on the High Street.”