Aarhus may lose iconic festive starry sky display due to funding issues

As the holiday season approaches, residents of Aarhus may find themselves without the city’s iconic festive starry sky for the first time in two decades. The organizers behind the dazzling display of 750,000 light bulbs along Strøget have announced their inability to fund its upkeep, and the installation is now up for auction.

The news has disappointed many in Denmark’s second-largest city. Local resident Mette Jensen expressed her dismay, stating, “If it’s true, then there won’t be much Christmas spirit here.” Claus Bech, director of Aarhus City Association, called it a “devastating” development, noting that the starry sky has been a hallmark of holiday shopping in Aarhus, attracting residents and visitors alike during December.

Claus Broberg, chairman of the Strøgforeningen, also voiced concerns, saying it would be “almost unbearable” if the lights were sold to a competing region. Meanwhile, city council member Jacob Søgaard Clausen from the Denmark Democrats plans to bring the matter to the Technical Committee, believing it is vital for maintaining the festive atmosphere in Aarhus.

Operating the light display costs between 800,000 and one million kroner annually. Although Strøgforeningen secured 400,000 kroner from sponsors and 200,000 from the city, this fell short of the necessary funds. Mayor Jacob Bundsgaard explained that the city cannot continuously subsidize such initiatives, as it strains the local tax base.

Despite the setback, Søgaard Clausen remains optimistic about finding funding, suggesting collaboration with local businesses could secure the starry display. Aarhus City Association’s Bech added that hope is not lost, as they work toward a last-minute solution. The auction for the starry sky ends on November 15. Simultaneously, Strøgforeningen will disband due to a drop in membership from 130 to around 30-35 members over six years.