A packed programme of entertainment has been revealed for next week’s Christmas Lights Switch-On in Shrewsbury.
The event, which takes place on Wednesday [18 NOV], is organised by Shrewsbury Town Council in partnership with Shrewsbury Shopping Centres and Shropshire Council and is sponsored by Shrewsbury BID.
The excitement kicks off from 5pm with entertainment for all the family. There will be performances from a range of musicians from acoustic to bluegrass and rock to choral in locations across town. A full programme will be available on the night, or download a copy here.
Heading up the main stage in the Square will be Eric Smith and Brad Fitt, stars of this year’s Theatre Severn pantomime Dick Whittington, who will be compering the event and switching on the lights alongside Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Miles Kenny and Town Crier Martin Wood. There will also be performances from Rock Choir, part of the nationwide family of contemporary choirs, and The Raiders, a Shropshire-based, five-piece Indie/Rock/Pop band – NCMA Band of the Year 2015.
In addition the ever-popular lantern parade will also make a return. The set-off time for the parade has been brought forward to 6pm, from the Darwin Centre. The parade will then make its way through the town before leading into the Square for the official countdown at 6.30pm.
If that weren’t enough excitement, Santa and his sleigh will also be on Pride Hill from, courtesy of the Rotary Club of Shawbury & Mid-Shropshire, and Jack the Jester will entertain with his Light Show on High Street.
The evening will also see the return of the Darwin Centre’s spectacular giant reindeer which will have its very own switch-on to coincide with the Square countdown at 6.30pm, followed by the annual Tree of Light launch at 7pm.
For the first time, Shrewsbury’s Eat Street will also be a part of the festivities and will be held at St Alkmund’s from 4pm until 10pm.
Shrewsbury’s shopping centres and Shrewsbury Museum will remain open until 8pm and the town’s Market Hall will stay open until 9pm.
Suzi Wilkinson, Marketing & Promotions Office for Shrewsbury Town Council said: “With free entertainment and free parking in selected car parks from 4pm Shrewsbury’s Christmas Cracker is set to be a real cracker of an event so come along and help kick start the festive season with a bang!”
Kirsten Henly, Shrewsbury BID Manager added: “This event marks the start of Shrewsbury’s most varied Christmas programme and our retailers and hospitality businesses are all set to give a warm welcome to shoppers and visitors and make it a great festive season in town. We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Lights Switch-On evening and believe Shrewsbury really is the place to be this Christmas.”
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