STRATFORD’S Christmas Lights switch-on is taking place on a Saturday for the first time in the town’s history.
The all important button is being pressed on Saturday November 19 at 5.15pm on Barclays Island.
And with the event taking place at the weekend for the first time, a whole day of activities and entertainment is planned to mark the festive occasion between 10am and 7pm.
Local choirs will perform outside Lloyds Bank at the top of Bridge Street, there will be Christmas-themed street entertainment and rides, a festive trail organied by the RSC, as well as artisan stalls selling Christmas goodies.
Diane Mansell, Stratford BID Manager, said: “This year, Stratford BID has joined forces with Stratford Town Council, Magic Alley, Christmas Light Committee, Bell Court, Royal Shakespeare Company and LSD Promotions to organise the event and together have moved the Christmas Lights Switch-On to a Saturday for the first time in the town’s history.
“We have arranged activities for the event’s 39th year to allow all of our visitors the opportunity to start the festive season in style.”
The 2022 Christmas lights will see over three quarters of the town’s display replaced with new decorations made from Blachere’s bioprint technology that emits ten times less CO2 in its production than standard aluminium decorations. The scheme uses the latest LED technology with traditional designs that complement the town’s streets and architecture.
Matthew Coombes, Chairman of Stratford Christmas Lights Committee, said: “This marks a new chapter for the Christmas Lights. It was Blachere’s passion for Stratford and the environment that won them the contract. I can’t wait to see the lights illuminating our beautiful town this Christmas.”
While Magic Alley is running a competition for one lucky person to accompany Father Christmas around the town centre in his horse drawn carriage. The competition is up on the Christmasuponavon.com website, offering the chance for one child, and one accompanying adult, to join Santa as well as win a meal at Miller and Carter in Bell Court.
