In 1970, to mark Palmerston North's centennial, the Council arranged to purchase a section of the 1969 Light of London Christmas decorations from Regent Street. Ten lines of lights were purchased at a cost of £2,820 - 9 lines consisting of 1 large centre star, 2 reflector stars and 4 triple drapes. The 10th line was a shield based on the Palmerston North coat of arms. The lines were placed on Broadway Avenue, Rangitikei Street and in the Square. The coat of arms was in Fitzherbert Avenue. It cost $3000 per year to power the lights. They were taken down in March of 1972 for refurbishing and put up for Christmas in 1972-1974. However, the lights were expensive to maintain and they have not been used since [2014].