EastEnders star to switch on Xmas lights
EastEnders star Jake Wood is to switch on St Albans’ spectacular Christmas lights during an action-packed afternoon of festive fun.
The City Centre will be transformed into a winter wonderland of entertainment for all the family on Sunday 15 November.
Among the attractions are live music, gift stalls, free activities for children, food and drink stands and a funfair.
The event starts at noon and carries on throughout the afternoon with Jake switching on the lights at 5.30pm as darkness falls.
Jake - who plays Max Branning in the hit BBC drama - will be joined on stage by the other performers from this year’s Alban Arena pantomime, Peter Pan.
Among the cast are comic actor Bob Golding, famous for his portrayals of Eric Morecambe and a regular fixture at the Arena panto.
Keeping them in order will be the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Cllr Salih Gaygusuz.
A programme of live entertainment will run from 12 noon to 6pm on two stages, at the taxi rank, near the Beech House, and a bandstand outside of Clinton Cards.
There will be performances by:
• Special Kinda Madness, a tribute band who play the hits of both Madness and the Specials;
• Swing trio The Polka Dots;
• Ukulele group, Katie’s Jumping Fleas; and
• A special Ice Queen will be making a guest appearance.
Christmas tree lights bought by the crowd-funding campaign Light Up St Albans will be turned on at 4.30pm.
Other activities designed to cater for all tastes and ages include:
• A pop-up snowglobe photo studio in front of the Town Hall;
• Glow-in-the-dark face painting provided by Glitterbox;
• A host of street performers;
• Magic wands craft activity; and
• Santa’s Grotto provided by the Rotary Club of St Albans Verulamium.
The Mayor, Cllr Gaygusuz, said: “This is going to be an amazing event to get Christmas off to a magical start in St Albans and the District.
“Everyone is welcome to come along to sample what will be a cracking atmosphere. There’s a fantastic range of entertainment – something for all the family.
“I will be helping Jake, Bob and the other stars from this year’s Alban Arena panto switch on the lights. It will be one of the highlights of my year.”
Cllr Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism at St Albans City and District Council, said: “This is an event that is not to be missed.
“It is organised by the Council to get Christmas in St Albans underway in style. One of the aims is to support the local economy by attracting visitors to the City centre and showcasing what we have here.”
Community station 92.6FM Radio Verulam will broadcast the event live and compere from the main stage.
Peter Pan opens at the Alban Arena on Friday 4 December and runs until Sunday 3 January.
Jake – who appeared BBC1’s TV show Strictly Come Dancing last year – plays Captain Hook. For more details, see https://www.alban-arena.co.uk/
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Salih Gaygusuz
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544
Email: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Councillor contact:
Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism for St Albans City and District Council.
Mob: 07956 220264. Email: Cllr.B.Read@stalbans.gov.uk
Media contact:
John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council.
E-mail: john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk
Tel: 01727 296130