When Solihull Council put out an appeal for sponsorship of the Shirley Christmas Lights, Shirley Lions responded by suggesting that rather than just putting a set figure into the general pot that they actually pay for their own new light. The Council took on board the idea with further publicity stating that Shirley Lions had come up with the idea of businesses sponsoring the purchase of their own individual light and asking others to follow the lead set by the Lions. Other organisations did come forward and at the Shirley Lights Switch on all were presented with their own plaque which will be attached to their own Christmas Light for all to see.