Festivities revealed for Christmas lights event
LOUGHBOROUGH is gearing up for the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights on Sunday, November 24.
Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the event with festivities taking place in the Market Place between 10am and 7pm.
The event, organised by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Love Loughborough, has something for everyone. A charity market will kick things off at 10am, and there will also be a food court, craft and retail market, fairground rides and a Santa’s grotto.
The Sock Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair will also be at the Loughborough Town Hall between 11am and 5pm.
The stage will come alive at 1pm with performances by Loughborough Students’ Union Sing, St Botolph’s School Choir, Bright Lights Theatre School and Loughborough Schools Foundation Big Band.
BBC Radio Leicester’s breakfast duo Jo Hayward and Ady Dayman will host the event from 3pm. Entertainment will include a big screen and live music from Kade Smith, former contestant on The Voice UK. The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm by the young winner of the Light-up Loughborough competition and the cast of this year’s Loughborough Town Hall pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.
Loughborough University’s Students Union will then take over the stage with entertainment until 7pm.
Coun Jenny Bokor, the council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: “The Christmas light switchon is a great event for all the family to enjoy and get into the festive spirit.
“This year, we’re pleased to welcome BBC Radio Leicester who will be hosting our light switch-on and keeping everyone entertained all afternoon.
“Loughborough is also a great place to do some Christmas shopping, so make sure you put the date in your diary and come on down to take advantage of our shops and markets.”
Jo Hayward, presenter on BBC Radio Leicester, said: “We’re delighted to be coming to Loughborough to host this year’s Christmas light switch-on. I’m local to Loughborough so it feels really special to be getting into the festive spirit and hosting the event on home turf.
“There will be lots of fun throughout the afternoon and we may even have a little festive singsong if you’re lucky.”
Emma Bishop, head of enterprise and engagement at Loughborough Students Union, said: “We’re looking forward to being involved with this year’s Christmas lights switch-on in the town centre.
“The Students Union will be taking over the stage after the lights have been switched on to help keep the festive celebrations in full swing.”