COUNCIL chiefs are putting the finishing touches to ensure Worcester’s Christmas lights sparkle this festive season.
White and gold coloured lights are being specially hired by the City Council at a cost of £32,000 from Blachere Illuminations.
The lights, which are designed to a very low energy specification, will be on 24 hours a day over the festive season and illuminate the city centre and the St John’s shopping area.
And for the first time this year white fairy lights are also being installed in trees along the High Street, creating an extra magical effect.
The lights will switched on in front of the Guildhall as part of a fun-packed family evening in Worcester High Street on Thursday November 23 starting at 4pm, with the lights going on at 6pm.
“I’m very much looking forward to welcoming people to Worcester’s city centre for this very special occasion,” said Mayor of Worcester, Coun Steve Mackay.
“The Christmas lights switch-on is always a really fun event; the festive spirit is contagious and people of all ages really enjoy the occasion.”
Hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester presenters Elliott Webb and Malcolm Boyden, the evening will raise money for the 2017 BBC Children in Need appeal and will include entertainment from singers Mike Skilbeck, Tazmin Barnes and Worcester Concert Brass amongst others.
The Christmas lights will be switched on by the Mayor and special guest Pudsey Bear.
Worcester’s carnival queen and princess will also be present and a snow machine will be in operation in front of the Guildhall.
The event signals the start of Christmas late night shopping in Worcester city centre, with many shops staying open until 8pm on Thursdays.
Christmas trees will be appearing around the city centre and in St John’s on 13 November – most of them grown locally at Leigh Sinton.
The two largest trees – a 30ft one outside the Cathedral and a 36ft one on the St John’s roundabout – have been brought in from Solihull.
Visit www.christmasinworcester.com for more about Worcester’s festive programme of events.
