The festive countdown officially gets under way in Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 19th November with the Christmas Lights Switch-On and free activities and entertainment from 10am to 7pm.
The switch will be flicked at 5.15pm on Barclays Island, but there will also be plenty to do throughout the day, including a Festive Trail and Christmas shopping!
Families can soak up the festive joy of local choirs and other acts as they perform outside Lloyds Bank at the top of Bridge Street, there will be Christmas-themed street entertainment and rides, plus a selection of artisan stalls selling some spectacular Christmas goodies.
Diane Mansell, Stratford Upon Avon Business Improvement District (SUA BID) Manager said: “This year, Stratford Upon Avon BID has joined forces with Stratford-upon-Avon 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.”
Cheer on Father Christmas as he rides around the Town Centre in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage, or maybe even be among the lucky ones to accompany him! In the lead up to the event, enter the free competition over at: Christmas Upon Avon for the chance for one child and one accompanying adult to join Magic Alley’s Father Christmas on his horse-drawn carriage ride at the Christmas Lights Switch-On 2022. The winning family will also win a meal at Miller & Carter in Bell Court on 19th November.
Take part in the free Festive Trail, organised by the Royal Shakespeare Company around the Town Centre; follow the Trail of wreaths, around the shops, restaurants and cafés, and maybe pick up some wonderful unique Christmas gifts or enjoy some festive refreshments along the way. The Trail will run from 19th November until 1st January.
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-upon-Avon Christmas Lights Committee, said: “This marks a new chapter for the Christmas Lights; it was Blachere’s passion for Stratford-upon-Avon and the environment that won them the contract. I can’t wait to see the lights illuminating our beautiful town this Christmas.”
For more information about the Christmas Lights Switch-On event, the Royal Shakespeare Company Trail and the free competition to win the horse-drawn carriage ride with Magic Alley’s Father Christmas, visit the SUA BID website here
