As the Christmas light celebrations get underway in the next few weeks, it's been announced West Bridgford will hold a switch-on event on Saturday, November 19. The event will see performances from The Voice star Mark Howard, local groups and also more than 40 different festive stalls on Central Avenue.
The event is due to start at 10am until 5pm with lots of live music, performances, food, drink and a gift market along with street theatre. The festive evening will finish will a fireworks display.
Jonty Bayliss will be hosting the main stage and there will be a variety of family favourites including local choirs, community groups and a resident DJ from 10am throughout the day.
Read more: Nottinghamshire Christmas markets and light switch on events 2022
Performers are set to start at 12pm with the Rushcliffe Phoenix Choir before a set from Plumtree Primary School and Stagecoach performing arts at 1:30 pm. Later in the afternoon, the Rattle and Roll rock choir will perform at 2pm and The Voice's Mark Howard will go on from 4pm.
The light switch on will start at 5pm with the Mayor of Rushcliffe, Councillor Tina Combellack, followed by fireworks. The evening will round off with a performance from the LED freestyle performers at 5.05pm.
One of the best parts of a Christmas market is definitely the food and drink. It's the perfect chance to grab a hot chocolate or, if you are really feeling the cold, a mulled wine to warm up with.
The market has brought together some of the very best in Nottingham food favourites along with designers and producers. It's an excellent opportunity to pick up a last-minute gift or a secret Santa.
Heavenly Horsebox, The Beeston Brownie Company, Vegetarian Rasoi, The Thirsty Farmer and The Alpine Pizza Company will be on hand for a caffeine boost or a cheeky pizza slice. PORCO, Beanin Coffee, Lakey’s Bakes, Ghar Ka Khana, Ruddy Fine Gin and Hanwell Wine Estate will also have stalls at the event.
For anyone looking to grab and go home with a few local treats, there will also be stalls from The Fruit & Herb Company, Chillibobs, Loxley’s Larder, Brockleby's Pies, Jerk Station and The Ruddington Arms. Vegan favourites Vork Pie will have their signature pies available while anyone with a sweet tooth could do with checking out Doughnotts, Fudge Glorious Fudge, Holbakes, Old Fashioned Sweet Shop Strelley Hall and Dotty About Jam.
Anyone stuck for the perfect present for a loved one won't be stuck for options with stalls from 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.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and climate change, Councillor 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, an estate agent from Woodthorpe who started singing karaoke at his parents' pubs, 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.”
Nationally councils around the country including Guildford and Ely have scrapped the annual switch-on ceremonies that draw thousands of people because they cannot justify the cost. And some towns across England may not have any festive lights at all due to rising costs.
But elsewhere in Nottinghamshire, 90s band East 17 have been booked to turn on Mansfield's Christmas lights. While in Nottingham city centre, there will be no official lights switch on ceremony and the lights will be turned on when the Winter Wonderland opens on November 15.
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