Countdown to Christmas lights switch-on

The countdown to the most wonderful time of year in Swadlincote will begin with the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the town on Friday, November 24 for a day of fun, frivolity and fireworks.

The free extravaganza once again promises to get people in the festive mood with a fantastic line-up of family-friendly entertainment.

A Christmas Craft Fair kick-starts festivities from 10am at Sharpe’s Pottery Museum, in West Street, alongside Christmas Crafts from 10am to noon at Swadlincote Library, in Civic Way.

Local school children will be taking centre stage and providing a warm burst of Christmas spirit as they perform carols on The Delph Public Square from 11am to 5pm.

Guests can also keep warm with free mince pies, warm fruit punch and other goodies provided by Burton and South Derbyshire College catering students throughout the day.

Santa and his festive helpers will ski down the slope at Swadlincote Ski and Snowboard Centre, in Sir Herbert Wragg Way, at 4.30pm. There will be free gifts for the first 100 children, along with the chance to meet Poma the Penguin.

Oohs and aahs will accompany festive fireworks from 7pm, before the 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC), recently granted the Freedom of South Derbyshire, push the switch to turn on the Christmas lights.

Cllr Michael Stanton, Chairman of South Derbyshire District Council, said:

“The Christmas lights switch-on is one of the biggest events on our local calendar and we all look forward to it year after year.

“This year promises to be bigger and better than ever. It purposely caters for all ages and is always a magical, memorable day and evening out for the whole family to enjoy.

“We’re proud to have the ATC do us the honours of lighting up the town. We hope everyone joins us, from near and far, to mark the start of the festive season.”

Other unmissable entertainment includes fairground rides, Touch FM live broadcasts, choirs and live performances from The Salvation Army, meet and greet sessions with Santa, the best decorated Christmas shop window winner announced, mulled wine and much more on the day.

Full details of the line-up, plus other Christmas events and activities in South Derbyshire, can be found here.

16 November 2017