| Councillor Ken Guild said that extra funding received for this year’s lights switch-on had prompted an expansion of the event, but hinted that 2010 may see a return to a smaller more traditional celebration.
The Winter Light Night title first sparked anger among Dundee Presbytery, who objected to the removal of the word Christmas and a reduced role in the programme.
A church minister usually has the opportunity to read the Christmas story to the crowd that gathers in the city square, but that slot was axed under the new-look schedule.
However, allegations that the city council changed the name to avoid excluding ethnic minorities have been rejected by Dundee’s only Muslim councillor, Mohammed Asif.
“I am disappointed that the Christmas lights in Dundee are not being called that this year,” said Mr Asif said at the weekend.
“I am not a Christian, but I recognise that Christmas is probably the most important cultural celebration for families in Dundee.
“I do not celebrate Christmas as a religious festival, but I do celebrate Christmas along with my family.
“The people of Dundee know the lights are on for Christmas. Let’s just call it Christmas.”
Mr Guild welcomed the effort made by Councillor Asif to clear up the debate, but conceded it is now “too late” to switch the title.
He said, “I welcome the comments from Councillor Asif, which destroy the myth that the arrangements have had anything to do with offending Muslims.
“However, I think his call for a last-minute name change is unrealistic and politically motivated.
“All the arrangements have been made and it is much too late to change them now.”
The Winter Light Night will be on a larger scale than any previous Dundee switch-on and will see a range of events take place at venues across the city.
Some Christian traditions have been kept and the night will begin with the ringing of the bells at St Mary’s Church and include carol singing in the Overgate shopping centre.
And following a meeting between Dundee City Council and Dundee Presbytery, arrangements are being made for further involvement by church representatives. Mr Guild said there was never any intent to upset members of the Christian community by changing and expanding the celebrations.
He added, “We were given added fundings this year to put on a larger scale event than usual.
“Without the funding next year it is unlikely we will be able to have anything of the same size.
“We always take the public reaction into account when making decisions, but a lot of these objections have not come from members of the public.” |
