What to expect on Telford Day: 'A day to come together to celebrate Telford' as new town celebrates its anniversary

The new town of Telford was formed on that date in 1968 and the council says there are lots of ways residents can get involved in the first Telford Day celebrations.

The Made In Telford Christmas Makers Market will launch Telford Day activities and will be open from 10am in Southwater featuring local artisan crafts. Alongside the market, the Christmas Yurt will have activities on throughout the day including a film screening of Cinderella with children’s activities from 10.30am. 

At 1.30pm in Southwater Square the new Telford and Wrekin flag will be raised by its designer Amelia, who last month won the competition to design a flag for the borough.

Creative workshops will take place from 2pm to 4pm and from 6pm the Telford Day lantern parade will start from the Telford Town Park Visitor Centre, ending in Southwater. There will be lanterns, music, an illuminated cycle ride and the flag will be incorporated into the parade. There will also be live music from 7pm in the Christmas Yurt. All activities throughout the day are free to take part in. 

Activities, workshops and music in the Christmas Yurt are taking place right through until December 7 including wreath-making workshops, free live music events, Jazz Sunday afternoon sessions, film screenings and much more. The Telford Memories Coffee Morning will be a great opportunity to share memories of the things residents love about Telford.  All events are free except the wreath-making workshop which needs to be booked in advance at www.telfordtheatre.com.

There is an opportunity to join in with the singing at 'Carol-okie' on Thursday, December 11: from 5.15pm the stage will be set in Southwater for people to come along and join in with carols and traditional festive tunes.

The popular Festive Gardens also open on 11 December with a further seven dates to get along there including a new SEN evening on Thursday, December 18. 

Tickets are on sale now also for the Telford Theatre pantomime Cinderella taking place at Telford International Centre with dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery and amazing special effects. 

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, culture and the arts, said: “Telford Day is a day when we look forward to residents celebrating all they love about Telford. We are looking forward to a packed programme of Christmas activities leading right up to Christmas, there are plenty of ways for friends and families to get together and share some Christmas fun.  

"The Made in Telford Christmas Makers Market is an opportunity to support our local craft and artisan businesses so please do come and have a wander around. We look forward to seeing you at one of the events, whether that is a festive workshop in the Christmas Yurt, Sunday afternoon live music session, joining in the singing at Carol-okie or taking in the magic of Festive Gardens or pantomime!”

For information on all the Christmas activities and Telford Day head to www.telfordtheatre.com.