PREPARATIONS are under way for this year’s big Christmas lights switch-on in Uttoxeter to herald the launch of the town’s festive celebrations.
In what is becoming an annual tradition, the festivities will get under way with a reindeer parade to the town hall with Santa in tow.
Taking place on Friday next week, the ceremony will be carried out by ‘exceptional children’ nominated by the town’s first schools, who will also take part in the parade along with Mayor of Uttoxeter Allan Chapman.
He told the Advertiser: “I am looking forward to it — although I believe I will be leaving the switch-on itself to the children.
“We always have a good display — I have been told that it is one of the best in the area and I would agree with that.
“We do spend a lot of money on them and I think it is very important for the town as it really brightens up the High Street and gets people in the spirit.
“It gets the festive period under way and we have Cracker night, which the town is proud of.
“Hopefully all the charities will raise plenty of money on their stalls.
“I think the reindeer are a hit with the children and they are always very calm, which is lucky because of the amount of noise going on.”It will also be the first lights switch-on for new town crier Henry Clayton, who is determined to keep the crowds suitably entertained.
He told the Advertiser: “It is my first lights switch-on so it should be good. We will try our best to get people in the Christmas spirit.
“I’ve only had the one engagement so far, which was the Dr Johnson birthday celebrations, so I was mildly apprehensive for that one and still will be until I really get going.” The celebration will start at 4.45pm on Friday, November 25, with the reindeer parade to the town hall, before the switch-on at 5pm.
People are being reminded to bring their own cameras as they can have a picture taken with Santa and his reindeer for a donation.
All money raised will go to the Midlands Air Ambulance.
THE festive season is set to begin in Denstone with the official switch-on of the Christmas lights at the village hall at 6.30pm on Friday.
The Michelin Man will start off the celebrations by turning on the lights and the Edwards Family Singers will be performing again after wowing visitors at the September village show.
There will also be a sound and light show created by Peter Smith and Santa will arrive at the hall on a vintage fire engine.
After the show, mulled wine and mince pies will be served at the village hall.
