Congleton’s Annual Lights Switch-On 2019

Congleton will be switching on its Christmas lights at 5.30pm on Saturday 23^rd November, as the festive finale to a fun-packed family day in the town centre! The entertainment starts at 12 noon with the start of six hours of entertainment on the stage, charity and retail stalls in the pedestrian area and Town Hall, kiddies fair rides, winter warmer bar hosted by Beartown Brewery, street food, santa’s grotto and much more.

The much-anticipated event has been organised by Congleton
Christmas Crackers team led by Congleton Town Council and Congleton Community
Projects with the help of many volunteers keen to help showcase Congleton and
create a fun day for local people in the lead up to Christmas.

Road closures to allow for the safe setting up of the event
will start at 8.30am and may last until 8.30pm in the evening. The High Street
will be closed from B&M through to the Town Hall. Canal Street will be open
as usual, but all traffic exiting Canal Street will need to turn right towards Lawton
Street.  Market Street will be open for
access to the bus station and taxi-rank, Morrisons and the Fairground Car Park.

A new ‘round’ stage will be used in the High Street between Barclays and NatWest Bank, to give more people a chance to enjoy, see and hear the stage entertainment. The entertainment includes:

12.15 –
12.30 – Astbury School Choir

12.30 –
12.50 Elf Show

1.00 – 1.30
– Nick Barnes Magic

1.30  - 1.45 
Fire Birds Dance

1.55 – 2.20
– Elf Show

2.20 – 2.35
– LB Dance

2.35 – 3.00
Nick Barnes Magic

3.15 – 3.35
– Elf Show

3.35 – 3.50
– Phoenix Theatre Company

3.50 – 4.15
– Nick Barnes Magic

4.14 – 4.40
– Rode Hall Silver Band

4.45 –
5.20  Andy Hofton  singer

5.20 – 5.30
– Carols and Countdown

5.30 –
LIGHTS SWITCH ON

5.30 - 5.50
– Sambamba

5.50 – See
you later Santa – bye from B&M roof

In addition
to the stage music, there will be street entertainment in the pedestrian area
and closed road – including a music area by the winter warmer bar on Duke
Street.

The traditional lantern parade will leave the Back Park Street Car Park (behind Lawton Street) at 5pm to lead Santa in his sleigh to the stage.

Jackie MacArthur, one of the organisers from Congleton Town
Council said: “Christmas is a special time of year and a really important one
for town centres. We really hope that lots of local people will take this
opportunity to come into town, meet up with friends, family and neighbours join
in the festive fun and take the time to explore the fabulous shops, eateries
and bars that we have in Congleton. It promises to be a fabulous day for
Congleton and I would really like to thank the key sponsors – particularly
Redrow Homes, Miller Homes, Hammond McNulty and Congleton Town Council – trusts
and volunteers who make the event possible.”