Holt gets set to sparkle at annual Christmas lights switch on
Pantomime horse race competitors at last year's Holt Christmas lights switch on. Photo: SONYA DUNCAN - Credit: Sonya Duncan
Santa will be swapping his sleigh for a vintage red tractor on November 15, when he rides in to Holt towing a trailer carrying Mary, Joseph and an elf for the annual Christmas lights switch-on.
Holt Christmas lights lantern procession. Photo: MARK BULLIMORE - Credit: Archant
The event, which kicks off at 5pm with a zumba dancing session led by North Norfolk District Council senior sports activator Wyn Nurse, promises to provide fun for all the family, with late night shopping, hot food stands and a spectacular fireworks display.
Christmas Lights team member Colin Rawlings, who owns the Red Dot Gallery in Fish Hill, said organisers aimed to provide something for everyone, whatever their age.
Holt Christmas lights switch on. Photo: RODNEY SMITH - Credit: Archant
'What we have tried to do is to create a model for a Christmas event for everybody to be part of and which you don't need to have deep pockets to enjoy,' he explained.
One of the highlights of the evening will be a pantomime horse race up the high street and back, with more than 10 teams of two expected to take part.
The firework display at Holt Christmas lights switch on. Photo: RODNEY SMITH - Credit: Archant
The 5pm race, which is sponsored by Posh Pets of Holt, was a big success when it was held for the first time last year, with around 15 teams of horses and handlers turning out.
'People did take it quite seriously and we had some fantastic costumes,' Mr Rawlings said. 'Sowerby's Estate Agents will be defending their title, and I know this year we will be having a pantomime cow from a local butcher, as well as a pantomime camel and a reindeer.'
Holt Christmas lights switch on. Photo: RODNEY SMITH - Credit: Archant
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Other entertainment in the run-up to the switch-on will include singing, dancing and carols, with Father Christmas and his entourage leading a lantern procession featuring dozens of children carrying homemade lanterns, as well as giant-sized illuminated animals brought along by members of the Fairyland Trust.
The town will be lit up once the procession arrives at the town centre stage at approximately 6.30pm and, following a firework display, Father Christmas will be welcoming youngsters to his grotto at Parker and Gillam opticians on Shirehall Plain.
For more information about Holt Christmas Lights, visit the group's Facebook page. The Fairyland Trust will be running a family lantern-making workshop from 11am-3pm at Holt Community Centre this Saturday. All materials will be provided and people of all ages are welcome to come along.
