Shrewsbury Town Council’s staff are putting the final touches in their preparations for the town’s Christmas Cracker event, which returns this Wednesday [Nov 20].
The big lights switch-on is being organised by Shrewsbury Town Council, in partnership with Shrewsbury Shopping Centres and Shrewsbury BID.
The fun begins on November 20 from 5pm, when bands, choirs and groups from around the region are set to fill the town with a variety of seasonal music and entertainment to mark the start of late night shopping and the launch of the brand new Christmas lights display.
Switching on the lights this year will be the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Phil Gillam, assisted by Shrewsbury’s Town Crier, Martin Wood, and the winner of the lantern parade.
The ever-popular lantern parade will set off from the Darwin Shopping Centre at 5.45pm, heading into the Square for that all-important official countdown at 6.30pm.
Entertainment will continue in various locations around town until the main event finishes at 7.30pm.
Santa and his sleigh will also be on Pride Hill all evening, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Shrewsbury Severn.
For those who took part in the lantern workshop last Saturday, participants will be able to collect their lanterns from the former British Heart Foundation Unit in the Darwin Shopping Centre from 5.00pm. In view of the numbers taking part and for safety reasons, there will be restrictions on numbers and pushchairs will not be permitted to join the parade.
Shrewsbury’s shopping centres will be open until 8pm and the Market Hall will stay open until 9pm where shoppers will also receive a warming complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie, subject to availability and a retail purchase from stallholders.
Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Phil Gillam, said: “We’ve got a great programme of events around the town to celebrate the launch of our Christmas lights, with free family entertainment, and the all-important start of late night shopping in the run-up to Christmas.
“I would love to see as many people join me for what promises to be a fun-filled evening in Shrewsbury. Christmas in Shrewsbury is always magical, and we are looking forward to seeing the Christmas lights which helps to give the town centre that festive feeling.”
For further information visit www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk or www.originalshrewsbury.co.uk
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