THE BIG NEWBURY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH – ON
25th November 2011 at 5:30PM
Newbury Town Council is very pleased to announce that arrangements are now finalised for the Christmas Lights Switch-On in the Market Place, Newbury at 5:30pm on Friday 25 November 2011.
The actual switch on is scheduled for 5:30pm and there will be live entertainment in the Market Place from 4pm with local singer Kate Izzard singing popular show tunes and Christmas themed songs followed by local band “South Finesse”.
Watership Brass Band (The Town Band), together with St Nicolas Church Choir will be playing carols in the Market Place to welcome the arrival of the parade.
An exciting programme of activities is promised, providing entertainment for all the family with a few surprises in store too!
The lights in Northbrook Street will be switched on before the procession and accompanying our wonderful “Light Walkers” will be the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Jeff Beck and his entourage. A group of children from the Dragon Club at Speenhamland School will follow with children from the Newbury Sound “Search for a Star” competition with Santa on his sleigh, leaving the Methodist Church just after 5pm.
The procession will arrive at the Market Place at around 5:20pm.
Newbury Sound’s radio presenter, Chris Wright, will be compering the evening and after a few words from the Mayor and a countdown from the crowd, the Mayor and the children will press the plunger to transform the Market Place into a sparkling spectacle, courtesy of the lights provided by Millennium Quest and funded by the Town Council.
The switch-on in the Market Place will be immediately followed by traditional carols led by the St Nicolas Church Choir and Watership Brass Band. Everything this year is centered around the Market Place and the Christmas Tree. It’s such a wonderful space for an event such as this. Look out for the snow!
Father Christmas has even brought two of his reindeer with him. Come and see them in the Market Place during the evening. There will be hot food and drinks, sweets, candy floss and doughnuts available to keep you warm in the Market Place.
Newbury Town Council would like to thank Newbury Sound for compering the event, GJB Haulage Ltd for providing the stage for the event, and Arena Seating for kindly providing equipment. We would also like to thank the Newbury Rotary Club and Newbury Lions for kindly supplying their time for marshaling to help make this a safe and special event. Thanks also go to Town Centre Partnership, Wilkinson, Corn Exchange, Greenham Common Trust and our Newbury Market traders for their sponsorship of the event.
And of course a big thank you for the support from the Police, Bridgegate Security, West Berkshire Council and Newbury Town Council who have all contributed in different but significant ways in ensuring a safe event for everyone.
All those involved in the switch-on wish everyone a safe and fun-filled event and a very Merry Christmas. Come on down and join the fun!!!
Cllr Julian Swift-Hook, Leader of the Council, said, “Newbury Town Council know that the Christmas Lights give enjoyment to lots of people and that they are a key part of the festive period in the town. Newbury is a tremendous town with so much to offer at Christmas-time, so do come to the big switch-on, support our partners, enjoy the lights with your friends, and make a great night of it!”
