 
The Lights Display in Stratford over the Christmas period is considered to be one of the finest in the UK.
Twelve streets covering the whole of the town centre follow a separate colour theme and are schematically different from each other. The result is a spectacular backdrop for visitors and residents alike to enjoy late night shopping, craft fairs and special festive events held during the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year.
A free bus tour of the lights will be operating on Thursdays, 27 November, and 4th, 11th and 18th December. Buses depart from Debenhams in the High Street at 17.30 hrs, 18.30 hrs and 19.30 hrs on each of these evenings.
The lights this year will be switched on at a ceremony to be held at 5pm on Thursday 27th November at the Town Hall and will remain lit until the early hours of 6th January. Presided over by the Mayor and her entourage, “switch-on” is one of the town’s very special occasions with processions, the arrival of Father Christmas and heralds the commencement of the town’s Christmas celebrations - the full timetable is set out below.
Thursday 27 November 2008:
A BBC radio broadcaster will act as compere throughout the evening’s proceedings.
(Note timings are approximate and the programme may need to be changed should inclement weather prevail)
| 4.30 pm |
The Mayor, Deputy Beadle, Mace-bearers and Councilors arrive at the Town Hall. Song sheets will be distributed by the Town Councilors for everyone to join in the christmas carols sung by the children of Stratford-upon-Avon accompanied by the Band of King Edward VI School. |
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| 4.56 pm |
The Mayor’s Chaplain appears on the dais to “Bless the Lights” followed by the Mayor and her consort who appear on the balcony along with the Deputy Beadle, Mace-bearers and the Town Clerk. |
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| 5.00 pm |
Following the Blessing of the Lights by the Mayors Chaplain from the balcony of the Town Hall the Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, Cllr Mrs Joyce Taylor will start the countdown to the switch-on.
With the sparkling Christmas lights switched on Father Christmas will be able to find his way to the Town Hall with his Reindeer pulling his sleigh across the sky.
Look out for Father Christmas landing on the roof with a spectacular special landing! Watch as he climbs into the chimney and look out for his Reindeer as they appear to meet everyone outside the Town Hall.
Father Christmas will collect his post from the Christmas Post Box at the Town Hall – you can post your letters to Father Christmas here and he will answer each one with a special letter! Remember to write to him before 15th December to receive a reply. |
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| 5.10 pm |
Father Christmas, The Mayor, Beadle & Macebearers and the Town Councillors will then make their way to Bridge Street to switch on the lights of the Macmillan Christmas Tree. |
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| 5.20 pm |
Father Christmas returns to the Town Hall and invites you to visit him in his Grotto, come and tell him your wishes for Christmas …. he will give you a little present if you have been good….. you can queue inside and keep out of the cold … there will be lots of entertainment while you wait to see him but don’t forget your camera!
Upstairs Mums and Dads can enjoy a nice cup of tea and listen to the Christmas Carols sung by Stratford College Choir … you can have squash and biscuits and a mince pie too!
The choir forms a guard of honour outside the entrance to the Town Hall and once the Mayor and Father Christmas have re-entered, will receive their Christmas gifts. |
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