Christmas Lights Switch-On
Around 15,000 people are expected at one of most popular annual events in St Albans – the Christmas Lights Switch-On.
A fabulous street party will take place in the City Centre from noon until 6pm on Sunday 18 November with St Peter’s Street closed to traffic.
Among the attractions will be live music, a Santa’s grotto, scores of market stalls, a winter wonderland bar, funfair rides and street performers.
Most of the family-friendly entertainment will be free with something to suit people of all ages.
The climax of the event, organised by St Albans City and District Council, will be the switching on of the lights as darkness falls at around 5pm.
This will take place at two locations so that as many people as possible can get close to the action.
Stars of the Alban Arena pantomime, Cinderella, including local comedian Bob Golding, will switch on the lights at the main stage in St Peter’s Street.
The Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Rosemary Farmer, will switch them on at the Clock Tower to the accompaniment of festive tunes from local musician Minnie Birch.
Among the other highlights are:
The Taxi Rank Stage, sponsored by retirement builder McCarthy and Stone, opposite the Beech House: live music from a host of acts including Swanvesta, Mamas with Voices, Ellie McCann and Cristina Federici as well as singalongs with Christmas choirs.
Market Traders: more than 100 stalls selling a vast range of novelty gifts, seasonal produce and mouth-watering street food.
Poppycock Winter Wonderland Bar: mulled wine, luxury chocolate drinks and festive cocktails are among the beverages that will be on offer.
Clock Tower Corner: circus workshops, street performers and musical entertainment will all be based at this scenic location.
Children’s Christmas Crafts, sponsored by builder Taylor Wimpey: a free activity that allows children to use glitter, sparkles and other material to make exciting decorations and gifts.
Meraki Christmas Forest: a snow-covered woodland including an ice bar.
Councillor Salih Gaygusuz, Portfolio Holder for Business and the Community, said:
The Christmas Lights Switch-On is a terrific way for people to get the festive season underway. It generates a cracking atmosphere and I urge everyone to get along and not miss out.
The event also helps boost the local economy bringing thousands of extra visitors as well as showcasing the City Centre shops and the local produce on sale at the market stalls.
St Albans Business Improvement District has largely funded the lights including those that run from the Town Hall to the Cock Pub. It also financed new infrastructure to provide power.
A not-for-profit organisation funded by local businesses, it seeks to improve the City Centre.
Cinderella opens at the Alban Arena on Thursday 6 December and runs until Sunday 6 January 2019. For more details, see www.alban-arena.co.uk/type/panto/.
Picture: Scene from last year.
Councillor contact:
Councillor Salih Gaygusuz, Portfolio Holder for Business and Community at St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 858289, Email: cllr.s.gaygusuz@stalbans.gov.uk.
Contact for the media:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City & District Council
Tel: 01727 296130, e-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.