Christmas will look a little different in Norwich city centre this year as the Tunnel of Light will not be returning.

The festive attraction launched on Hay Hill in 2016, with a walkway featuring more than 57,000 LED lights. 

Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) is behind the Tunnel of Light as well as the overall Christmas lighting scheme for the city.

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As Norwich City Council's £3.2million redevelopment of Hay Hill continues over the festive period and until spring 2024, the decision has been made to rethink the lights in 2023. 

Norwich Evening News: The Tunnel of Light first launched in the city in 2016 Picture: Antony KellyThe Tunnel of Light first launched in the city in 2016 Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

The Hay Hill revamp includes a new design, seating, a water feature and planting.

The area is currently closed off from Millennium Plain and Gentleman’s Walk, with space restricted only for pedestrians.

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The tunnel will not be relocated in 2023 as Norwich BID said there is "no other suitable location" in the city centre. 

Instead, Norwich BID will launch a new Christmas lighting scheme on Thursday, November 16.

Norwich Evening News: The revamp of Hay Hill in Norwich is expected to go on until spring 2024 Picture: Denise BradleyThe revamp of Hay Hill in Norwich is expected to go on until spring 2024 Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

It will be powered by 100pc renewable energy, including lampposts wrapped in lights for the first time and festive decor in more areas.

Stefan Gurney, executive director at Norwich BID, said: "We’re really excited to bring an all-new Christmas lights scheme to the city centre.

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"Not only will our updated lights cover a larger area, but they are our most sustainable yet.

Norwich Evening News: Teddy Aldous, 8, with his dad, Scott Aldous, from London, in Norwich's Tunnel of Light Picture: Denise Bradley)Teddy Aldous, 8, with his dad, Scott Aldous, from London, in Norwich's Tunnel of Light Picture: Denise Bradley) (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Although the tunnel will be missed, we’re proud that it was the first of its kind in the country, and that it has since inspired many likenesses across the UK.”

While the Hay Hill work is set to finish many months before Christmas 2024, the future of the Tunnel of Light remains uncertain.

A spokesperson for Norwich BID said: "Now feels the right time to consider different schemes in the years to come."