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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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