West Bridgford’s free Christmas Lights Switch On returns on Saturday November 19 with stage performances from local groups through to national stars, over 40 festive stalls and YouNG Santa’s Grotto.
From 10am until 5pm there’s a fun packed day full of live music at the event including a special performance from ITV’s The Voice star Mark Howard, food, drink and gift market, street theatre entertainment and a firework spectacular.
YouNG, the entrepreneurial initiative for 13 to 21-year-olds, will host the Santa’s Grotto from 10am to 4pm where you can come and visit Santa and his elves and pick up a small gift as well as the chance to chat to the main man himself – Father Christmas.
They will also host a market selling gifts and goods as part of the group’s journeys to gain business skills, in addition to the main market details outlined below.
Jonty Bayliss is back hosting the main stage and there will be variety of family favourites including local choirs, community groups and a resident DJ throughout the day in conjunction with event sponsors the National Ice Centre.
Performances on stage include:
10am -12pm – resident DJ
12pm – Rushcliffe Phoenix Choir
1pm – Plumtree Primary School
1.30pm – Stagecoach Performing Arts
2pm – Rattle and Roll
3pm – Rock Choir
4pm – ITV’s The Voice star Mark Howard
5pm – Build up, lights switch on by Mayor of Rushcliffe Cllr Tina Combellack followed by low noise but spectacular fireworks
5.05pm – LED Freestyle Performers
The seasonal festivities will take place on Central Avenue in the town throughout the day ahead of the big countdown to the lights turn on.
The food and gift market will showcase a selection of over 40 of the region’s and Borough’s finest designers and producers, offering a chance to buy a range of seasonal treats to put a smile on the face of a friend or loved one.
Stalls include:
Food and drink: Heavenly Horsebox, The Beeston Brownie Company, Vegetarian Rasoi, The Thirsty Farmer, The Alpine Pizza Company, PORCO, Beanin Coffee, Lakey’s Bakes, Ghar Ka Khana, Ruddy Fine Gin, Hanwell Wine Estate, The Fruit & Herb Company, Chillibobs, Loxley’s Larder, Brockleby’s Pies, Jerk Station, The Ruddington Arms, Vork Pie, Doughnotts, Fudge Glorious Fudge, Holbakes, Old Fashioned Sweet Shop Strelley Hall and Dotty About Jam.
Gifts: Inspired with Love Cards and Gifts, Milly Melts, wooden Christmas reindeer gifts, HW Signs, Mickey Dog Treats, West Art and Glass, The Lazy Fox gifts and Beauty Temple.
Partner stalls: The National Ice Centre, YouNG Santa’s Grotto, Nottingham Rugby, West Bridgford Way, The Friary Drop In, Sewa Day, Girlguiding West Bridgford South and The Rosie May Foundation.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Cllr Abby Brennan said:
“This annual event is a great way to get into the Christmas spirit! It’s a fantastic day for residents across the Borough to enjoy an array of free entertainment and indulge in festive treats.
“We’re also looking forward to our firework display for the finale which will be less noise but no less spectacular, in line with the Council’s wider environmental priorities to protect those affected by louder fireworks.
“This year, we are delighted to welcome Nottinghamshire’s Mark Howard who was a finalist on ITV’s primetime show The Voice!”
Mark added: “I’m really excited to be a part of West Bridgford’s light switch on! It’s the first big local event for me since the competition.
“I’ve had incredible support in Nottinghamshire and I can’t wait to see everyone who’s supported me throughout The Voice.
“Christmas is a fantastic time of the year and this will be a wonderful way to start the festive season.”
