IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Stratford.
The town’s Christmas lights were switched on on Saturday (November 16), with a packed programme of entertainment throughout the day to celebrate.
A giant snow globe in Henley Street, a polar bear in Bell Court, an ice acrobat, toy soldiers and fairies were among the attractions, as well as live music and roaming performers.
Christmas market stalls offered gifts and festive food and drink.
On the main stage at the top of Bridge Street school choirs and professional singers entertained the crowds with Christmas classics.
The big switch-on was carried out by Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas, with their helper for the day, Stratford mayor Coun Jason Fojtik.
The event was organised by Stratford BID, Stratford Lights Company, Stratford Town Council, Magic Alley and Bell Court.
And the new look Christmas market will be pitching up in the town over two weekends on December 7 and 8 and December 14 and 15.
The single huge event and the Victorian theme are gone and instead the market – which will still have around 200 stalls over the two weekends – will be “a festive blend of seasonal charm and thoughtful new features”.
It will be open from 10am until 8pm on the Saturdays and 10am to 5pm on the Sundays.
The previous Victorian market attracted tens of thousands of people and caused traffic congestion in previous years.
