A fun-filled family night is in store this Thursday (19 November) as some of the city’s sporting heroes team up to switch on the Christmas lights.
Former Norwich City stars Darren Huckerby and Craig Fleming will be joined by heavyweight boxer Sam Sexton at Norwich City Council’s annual lights switch-on and young children can also look forward to seeing The Gruffalo and Father Christmas.
There will not be a firework burst from City Hall or Jarrold due to concerns from display company Shell Shock about predicted wind conditions and the potential safety risk.
However, an evening packed with entertainment is lined up for families at the event supported by Heart 102.4 before the crowds count down to the switch on of the festive lights at City Hall, The Forum Christmas Tree on Millennium Plain and streets across the city at 7pm.
Children will be able to meet Santa and post their Christmas wish lists and letters to him in a special post box. Around a special stage on Millennium Plain, people can enjoy the Norwich Young People’s Voices Choir as it performs Christmas classics and dance group Slanteddance.
The Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Eve Collishaw, will meanwhile announce the winner of a competition to find the best dressed window in the Norwich Lanes.
After the switch-on, people will also be able to soak up the Christmas atmosphere around The Lanes. A rock gospel band will perform outside Jarrold from 6pm to 8pm, and carols, mince pies and mulled wine will be on offer in St Gregorys Green from 8.30pm.
Councillor Steve Morphew, leader of the council, says: “The lights switch-on is a family friendly event and people in Norwich always turn out in force each year to be part of it. Children can come to see Father Christmas and post their letters to him and the singing and dancing on the stage at Millennium Plain beside the giant Christmas tree will really get the festive atmosphere going.
“We are very disappointed not to be able to have fireworks this year, but people’s safety has to be the number one priority.”
Extended evening bus services will run from the Norwich International Airport, Postwick and Thickthorn Park and Ride sites. The Sprowston, Costessey and Harford sites will operate with last buses leaving the city centre at 8.30pm.
17 November 2009