Christmas in Shrewsbury sparkles into life with lights switch-on
Shrewsbury's festive season will sparkle into life next week when the town's Christmas lights are switched on.
The family-friendly Christmas Cracker evening on Wednesday, November 16 will feature a host of activities and entertainment to launch the countdown to Christmas in style.
Organised by Shrewsbury Town Council, in partnership with Shrewsbury Shopping Centres, and sponsored by Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID), it is one of the most popular events in the town's calendar.
The fun starts at 4.30pm in The Square and lasts well into the evening. There will be live music at a variety of town centre venues with Santa's Sleigh on Pride Hill and Jack the Jester adding to the merriment with performances on High Street.
The traditional lantern parade sets off from Darwin Shopping Centre at 6.15pm, leading into The Square for the official lights countdown. The Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Ioan Jones, will choose the winner of the best lantern, who will join him to switch on the lights at 6.30pm.
Children who want to take part can join the lantern making workshop on Saturday, November 12 in the Shrewsbury Shopping Centre.
Shoppers will be able to buy gifts and Christmas treats with the town's shopping centres and businesses open until 8pm and the Market Hall open until 9pm.
Shrewsbury BID Executive Director Kirsten Henly said: "There will be a great atmosphere as the town is illuminated with its festive lights. The Lights Switch-on is the official start of Christmas and brings together businesses, local organisations and community groups to showcase what makes Shrewsbury special."
Mayor of Shrewsbury Councillor Jones said: "We looking forward to welcoming people of all ages to enjoy the entertainment and activities and to support our local traders. It is the start of late night shopping in the run-up to Christmas and the town will be buzzing."
This year Redrow Homes has been announced as co-sponsor of the Lights Switch-on event, joining sponsors Shrewsbury BID, Shrewsbury Town Council, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Shopping Centres. Pauline Turnbull, sales director for Redrow Homes (Midlands), said: "Christmas is very much a time for families and, as we're building family homes at Lime Tree Meadows, in Shrewsbury, we wanted to spread some festive cheer by supporting the Christmas lights in the town centre.
Every Wednesday up until Christmas parking will be free in Abbey Foregate, Frankwell Main and St Julian's Friars after 4pm.
