The countdown to Shrewsbury’s Christmas Cracker is now on with just two days to go until the event which marks the launch of Shrewsbury Town Council’s Christmas lights display and the start of festive late night shopping.
Organisers, Destination Shrewsbury, are busy making final preparations for an evening of jam-packed entertainment for all the family on Wednesday [NOV 20] from 5-7.30pm.
The event is being sponsored by Shrewsbury Shopping Centres, The Parade and Write Here, and is supported by Shrewsbury Town Council and Theatre Severn.
Around 200 participants who took part in Saturday’s lantern workshop will be invited back take part in the magical lantern parade, which will start at 6pm from the former Shoezone Unit in the Riverside Centre.
The procession of lanterns will then lead out onto Pride Hill, headed by the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Jon Tandy and the Town Crier, Martin Wood, move along Butcher Row, Fish Street and High Street, arriving in the Square for a 6.30pm switch-on.
As well as the spectacular lantern parade, organisers have lined up a whole host of musical entertainment from school and gospel choirs, to acoustic singers and even a ukulele band and German Oompah act.
There will also be dance performances in the Square and, of course, Santa in his sleigh, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Shawbury and Mid Shropshire. Performances will take place in the Square, Pride Hill and Darwin Shopping Centres, and Shrewsbury Market Hall. Joining in the fun will be children’s character Lalaloopsy who will be making a very special appearance, courtesy of The Entertainer from 5-6pm on Pride Hill.
Members of the public will also get the chance to meet some of the stars from Theatre Severn’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. Eric Smith, who plays the King, and Adam Moss, who is Jangles, will be out on Pride Hill after the lantern parade, from 6.45pm.
The event will then culminate with the launch of the Tree of Light in Darwin Shopping Centre at 7pm, with entertainment continuing until 7.30pm.
Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “We’re delighted to be able to help again and this year’s Christmas Cracker is set to be even bigger and better than ever.
“It promises to be a fantastic event and we’re thrilled that the Lantern Parade will be starting from the Riverside Centre. It should be a fantastic sight and be a great way to launch Christmas in Shrewsbury.”
The full event programme is now available to download from www.shrewsburychristmascracker.co.uk or pick up your copy from event stewards on the night.