CHRISTMAS has well and truly arrived in Stratford.
The town’s Christmas lights switch-on took place on a Saturday for the first time in the town’s history. And there was standing room only as crowds piled in to take advantage of the weekend event.
Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas – ably assisted by Stratford Mayor Coun Gill Cleeve – pressed the all-important button on Saturday afternoon (November 19) on Barclays Island.
And there was a tinsel-tastic programme of festive fun and entertainment throughout the whole day.
This included local choirs performing outside Lloyds Bank at the top of Bridge Street, Christmas-themed street entertainment and rides, a festive trail organied by the RSC, as well as artisan stalls selling Christmas goodies.
Father Christmas even made an extra appearance, dashing around the town in a horse drawn carriage.
Stratford BID joined forces with Stratford Town Council, Magic Alley, Christmas Light Committee, Bell Court, the Royal Shakespeare Company and LSD Promotions to organise the event which is now in its 39th year.
While three quarters of the decorations in the 2022 display are brand new and more eco-friendly too. They have been made from Blachere’s bioprint technology which emits ten times less CO2 in its production than standard aluminum decorations.
The scheme uses the latest LED technology but with traditional designs that complement the town’s streets and architecture.
