This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

05 May 2026 at 13:51

Planning

16 Sep 2025 at 10:53

Summary of the contracting process

Cirencester Town Council is inviting tenders for the Christmas Lights display for the years 2027 to 2031. The contract encompasses the design, supply, storage, and maintenance of high-quality festive lighting in the town centre of Cirencester, Gloucestershire. This tender is currently in the "tender" stage and involves a 5-year contract beginning in April 2027. Proposals should reflect innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, with key dates including the submission deadline on 1st July 2026. The work, to be implemented annually in November, is expected to be in line with the council's community events, such as the Advent Market and light switch-on events. The project budget is £28,000 per annum, exclusive of VAT, with potential for offers above this amount to be considered.

This procurement presents a significant opportunity for businesses within the lighting and event installation industry, particularly those that specialise in sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. Ideal candidates would be companies with a strong background in similar public installations, proven project management skills, and a creative approach to design. The open procurement method allows for broad competition, encouraging participation from firms that can offer innovative solutions and maintain a high-quality public display across multiple sites. The opportunity for long-term engagement and showcasing work in a high-visibility project within the historic town of Cirencester could be beneficial for businesses aiming to expand their portfolio or gain recognition in the public sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Cirencester Christmas Lights 2027-2031

Notice Description

Cirencester Town Council oversees the Christmas light display throughout the town centre. We are inviting tenders for the design, supply, storage, annual maintenance and testing of high-quality Christmas lights. This contract will cover the festive light displays for the 2027to 2031 Christmas seasons, starting in November 2027 (5-year contract). The Town Council prefers that costs are distributed evenly across the duration of the contract. The display is expected to be attractive, reliable, and environmentally conscious and will be the highlight of the annual light switch-on event held on the last Saturday of November. The Town Council is also responsible for Christmas in Cirencester celebrations and holds the annual Advent Market & Light Switch-on and Christmas Markets to boost civic pride and stimulate local trade. We welcome proposals from experienced and innovative providers who can help deliver a high-quality festive experience for residents and visitors alike. Our primary objectives are as follows: * Deliver a safe and reliable lighting display that aligns with the design brief and specific locations. * Comply with the established timelines * Ensure the festive lights and safe and meet current legislations * Ensure that the scheme meets environmental and sustainability credentials. Key Requirements for 2027 Scheme Onwards Design style: o Highlight the historic and classic nature of Cirencester. o Warm, welcoming festive atmosphere rather than overly modern or commercial. Sustainability: o Use of low-energy systems (LED, efficient power use, durable materials). o Minimise environmental impact while delivering a high-quality festive display. Christmas tree: o Council arranges delivery and collection of a 40ft real tree. o Operator to design and install tree decorations within the lighting scheme budget o Work with sponsors, as required, in relation to additional tree decorations Coverage: o All streets must continue to be lit Site Overview Key Locations Include: * Market Place * Cricklade Street * Castle Street * Dyer Street * Silver Street * Town Centre Christmas tree - 40ft Budget PS28,000 per annum (excl. VAT). Offers above this figure may be considered, but PS28,000 is the working baseline. Prices must remain valid for the duration of the project timeline. Cost Clarity Tenderers should clearly specify what is included within each cost area. The Town Council will not make payments for costs that are not listed or for services that are ancillary to the main service provision. Service Requirements * Design and supply high quality Christmas lighting displays and decorations, subject to Town Council approval. * Install all lighting and supporting infrastructure across agreed town centre locations each November. * Provide ongoing maintenance and rapid emergency repairs throughout the festive period. * Remove all lighting and decorations by mid January each year. * Safely store all lighting and decorations following the festive season. * Ensure all installations are safe, weather resistant, and fully compliant with UK electrical and safety standards. * Include appropriate lighting for the town's Christmas tree (40ft). * Enhance and utilise existing infrastructure wherever possible. * Deliver energy efficient lighting designed to withstand UK winter weather conditions. * Use lighting styles that complement and respect the town's historic architecture. * Create a consistent, cohesive festive theme across the entire town centre. * Select lighting and design features that are suitable and considerate for neurodiverse visitors. * Maintain clear sightlines with non obstructive, safely positioned installations to support easy and safe navigation. * Where possible, use sustainable materials and repurposed or upcycled decorations. * Maintain clear space at the top of Cricklade Street and Dyer Street for placement of a sponsor's banner * To supply drop down switches or remote fobs to facilitate light switch on/off from ground level

Planning Information

Market Engagement Activities • Expression of Interest Deadline: 17 November 2025 • Site Viewing Opportunities following the light switch on event: 30th November - 30th December 2025. • Optional Supplier Meeting / Q&A: between 8th - 12 December 2025 To register your interest or request a site visit, please email Sarah Oakley at markets@cirencester.gov.uk by 17 November 2025 Next Steps A formal procurement process will be launched in mid-2026, with contract award anticipated in autumn 2026 and delivery scheduled for November 2027. This early engagement will not form part of the tender evaluation, and no supplier will be advantaged or disadvantaged through participation in this pre-market consultation.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-059b24
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041122-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

31 - Electrical machinery, apparatus, equipment and consumables; lighting

45 - Construction work

50 - Repair and maintenance services


CPV Codes

31522000 - Christmas tree lights

31527200 - Exterior lights

31527260 - Lighting systems

45316100 - Installation of outdoor illumination equipment

50232000 - Maintenance services of public-lighting installations and traffic lights

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£28,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£28,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
1 Jul 20266 days to go
Future Notice Date
6 Jan 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2031 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CIRENCESTER TOWN COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CIRENCESTER, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Postcode
GL7 2PP
Post Town
Gloucester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK73 Gloucestershire CC
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)

Local Authority
Cotswold
Electoral Ward
St Michael's
Westminster Constituency
South Cotswolds

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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