We can today reveal details of the star-studded show that will get Christmas off to a sparkling start in Altrincham later this month.
A mix of local talent and celebrities from stage and screen will feature on Saturday November 17th at the Christmas Lights Switch-On, this year held in association with Hits Radio.
Throughout the afternoon local schools, choirs, theatre groups and singers will fill the Stamford Square stage – by Rackhams, Wilko and Søstrene Grene – with a festive musical build-up to the early evening show.
Then from 4.30pm, Hits Radio’s Wes Butters will present a star-packed show headlined by singer Gareth Gates and also featuring Coronation Street’s Cath Tyldesley, internet star Braydon Bent and CBeebies’ Sid Sloane.
Both the show and the Christmas lights have been funded by Altrincham’s Business Improvement District (BID) and the Stamford Quarter shopping centre, and the switch-on is just the start of festivities in the town centre this year.
The Stamford Square stage returns on Saturday December 1st for festive performances from school choirs and local dance troupes.
A magical town-wide Lantern Parade – which proved such a success last year – will begin at 4pm from Goose Green before a Christmas singalong with The Music Place at 4.45pm.
For those wishing to join the parade, there will be FREE drop-in lantern making workshops throughout the day at Total Fitness on Denmark Street and Aura Music Academy will kick-off the festivities with carols in Goose Green prior to the parade.
Other festive highlights include a visit from Santa’s Reindeer to the Stamford Quarter Shopping Centre on Saturday December 15th and pop-up Santa’s Grottos on all Saturdays between November 17th and December 8th, as well as the return of the Christmas business front competition.
And look out for the Hits Radio’s Street Team on Saturday 10th November, when visitors to Altrincham will have the chance to win two tickets to Hits Radio Live – featuring Little Mix, Cheryl, Ellie Golding, The Vamps and many more – on Sunday 25th November.
The winner will be announced during the Christmas Lights Switch-on Show on Saturday 17th November.
Elizabeth Faulkner, BID Manager for Altrincham Unlimited, said: “The town is gearing up for a fabulous festive season with some very special events, along with independent and high-street retailers offering everything you could possibly dream of this Christmas. Come and enjoy some of the town’s amazing eateries and experiences whilst you shop.”
