IT’S beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Stratford.
The town’s Christmas lights were switched on on Saturday (November 18), with a packed programme of entertainment throughout the day to celebrate.
A giant snow globe and ice cave were among the interactive attractions as well as live music, roaming performers and fairground-style games.
Christmas market stalls offered gifts and festive food and drink.
Three actors from the RSC’s production of The Box of Delights Stephen Boxer (Cole Hawlings), Callum Balmforth (Kay Harker) and Rhiannon Skerritt (Barney The Dog) took to the stage ahead of the switch on to say hello to the crowd and brought along boxes of delights to give away as prizes.
And the big switch-on was carried out by Father Christmas, with his helper for the day, Stratford mayor Kate Rolfe.
Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas also rode through town in their horse-drawn carriage.
Live music on the stage included The Jivettes, a vintage trio performing their own special tribute to the 1950s, and David Harrop, whose broad range of styles includes swing, jazz and West End.
Local choirs were among other performers keeping the crowds entertained in Henley Street, Wood Street, Meer Street, High Street and Bridge Street.
The event was organised by Stratford BID, Stratford Lights Company, Stratford Town Council, Magic Alley and Bell Court.
