Shrewsbury light switch-on turns out to be a real cracker
Huge crowds gathered in Shrewsbury town centre for a dazzling evening of entertainment to mark the launch of the Christmas lights and the start of late night shopping yesterday.
The festive season kick-started with a bang as audiences enjoyed seasonal performances from a whole host of musical acts who performed in the town’s Square, indoor Market Hall and Shrewsbury Shopping Centres.
Hundreds of spectators lined the route for the return of the popular lantern parade which saw more than 100 participants illuminate the town centre streets as they processed along Pride Hill, Butcher Row, Fish Street and High Street, before culminating in the Square for the big switch-on.
The countdown to the Christmas lights was provided by the Town Crier, Martin Wood, who also headed the lantern parade with Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Keith Roberts.
And of course Santa was in his sleigh in the Square throughout the evening.
In Shrewsbury’s Market Hall, actor John Challis famous for starring in only Fools and Horses and Green, Green Grass was on hand to sign copies of his new book Being Boycie.
Shoppers also had the chance to pick up an exclusive loyalty card for a chance to Win a Cracking Christmas. Anyone who didn’t pick up a form on the night can download a copy at www.shrewsburychristmascracker.co.uk
Then just collect six different date stamps whenever a purchase is made from participating town centre retailers to enter the competition to win a huge sack full of goodies worth more than £1,000.
Shrewsbury’s Christmas Cracker was organised by Shrewsbury Town Council and partners including; Shop in the Loop, Shrewsbury Shopping Centres, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Market Hall.
John Hall, from Shop in the Loop said: “There was a wonderful community atmosphere at the event last night. Special thanks must go to all of our performers; Bicton Heath Primary School, Shrewsbury Handbells, Halfway House Ladies Choir, Shropshire Music Service, Bridgnorth Ukulele Band, St Chad’s Choir, Heart and Soul Community Choir, Of One Accord and Shrewsbury Concert Band who delighted the crowds with their festive performances.
“Thanks must also go to all of our sponsors and partners who have helped pull together a cracking competition prize – remember to get your cards stamped every time you shop between now and Dec 18 for your chance to win!”
Kevin Lockwood, Shrewsbury Shopping Centres manager added: “Kevin Lockwood, Manager of the Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside Shopping Centres, said: “It was a really special night and a wonderful spectacle for the town with the lanterns parading through the streets.
“Christmas here has a fantastic atmosphere and gets everyone together to enjoy themselves and Shrewsbury with its history and heritage and its wonderful array of shops is just perfect for events like this.”
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