Are you living in UK’s Grinch capital? Map reveals STINGIEST councils at Christmas with least cash spent on festivities
A MAP has revealed the UK’s Grinch capital where the stingiest councils spend the least on Christmas cheer.
As the festive season gets into full swing, communities across the nation will look forward to light displays and other jolly celebrations in their cities.
But the degree of merriment may vary depending on where you live, as figures from Gardening Express revealed the lowest UK council budgets.
The data has been compiled into spending per 1,000 people, based on their overall cost and population.
Ranking tenth in the tightest spenders was Sheffield, who are only forking out £173 per 1,000 residents on Christmas festivities this year.
A close ninth place was snapped up by Stoke-on-Trent where the council are only contributing £170.
Plymouth, Winchester and Doncaster are set to pour in just £141, £146, and £158 respectively.
Elsewhere, Salford council in Manchester is choosing to shell out £96, which is closely followed by Nottingham – where the budget is £94.
However, the top three lowest spenders don’t even reach £90.
Barnsley, in South Yorkshire, came in at third place, with a total of £89, while Lincoln, Lincolnshire, has set aside £86.
But, the council spending the least on their Christmas joy is St Albans City in Hertforshire, with just £78.
On the other end of the spectrum, Glasgow was named as the biggest festive spender.
The average spend per 1,000 people is expected to total a whopping £461.25 in comparison.
St Albans City and District council was contacted for comment.
This comes as the 10 most magical Christmas light shows this year have been revealed.
There are many stunning light shows across England from Kew Gardens in London to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
When Christmas arrives, Kew Gardens is lit up with more than a million bulbs.
It’s an entirely new way to see the 320 acre attraction which is home to over 16,000 species of plants.
Visiting Christmas at Kew doesn’t have to break the bank either, as ticket prices range from £21.50 for members at off-peak times to £26 at peak times.
For non-members, it is a little bit more expensive with off-peak tickets costing £25.50 and peak tickets costing £32.
The grounds at Blenheim Palace are also so beautiful that they have been used in Harry Potter, James Bond, and Indiana Jones — but Christmas is really something special.
Kids will love the Neverland in the palace experience, which gives them the opportunity to explore the sparkling state rooms, complete with a model London skyline
Also, £1 will be added at basket stage for each Neverland in the Palace ticket to Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Meanwhile, Bedgebury is home to a one-mile magical winter trail which has fields of light and giant, luminous seed pods.
You’ll get the chance to walk through sparkling tunnels of light and the forest is drenched in all of the colours of the rainbow.
It’s perfect for a little Christmas warmth on a cold December day.
Christmas at Bedgebury runs from November 14 to December 31, 2024.
Tickets for the Bedgebury trail start at £17 for adults.
Elsewhere, Leeds Castle in Broomfield, Kent, and will host a glimmering Christmas experience from November 22 until January 1, 2025.
Giant colour-changing lilies will float out onto the lake and the ancient trees on the castle grounds will be veiled in shimmering fairy lights.
Tickets cost just £18 for adults and £13 for children.