Blur drummer and county councillor Dave Rowntree to switch on North Walsham’s Christmas lights
North Walsham Christmas lights switch on. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
North Walsham's Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday will see the town transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with festive food and drink, a visit from Santa and a guest appearance by a chart-topping rock star.
North Walsham Christmas lights switch on. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
Norfolk county councillor Dave Rowntree, who is the drummer with the band Blur, will be switching on the lights at 6pm, with entertainment kicking off at 2.30pm ranging from a funfair and an appearance by Radio Norwich presenter Rob Chandler, to a Santa's grotto, hot food stalls and a performance by North Walsham Junior and Infant School choir.
Other attractions will include music from town centre buskers and North Walsham Salvation Army band, as well as local acts Ellie Diss, Invidia Voices, Two's Company and Helen Bluebelle.
North Walsham Christmas Lights switch on. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE - Credit: Archant
The lights, which are put up by a team of eight volunteers over six Sunday mornings, are, for the first time this year, not being organised by the town council.
Instead, the lights team has joined forces with North Walsham Funday committee to form North Walsham Community Events.
The group, which has set up a Just Giving page asking for donations towards new equipment including ladders, racking and a gazebo, will be unveiling a number of new displays this year, some of which have been made by students at Great Yarmouth College as part of their coursework.
Team member Andrea Canham said the switch-on promised to provide festive fun for all the family.
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'It is one evening in the year that the town comes together and the market place is always packed with families,' she added. 'There is always a lovely atmosphere and it's just really nice to see the faces of so many people enjoying themselves.'
There will be a family Christmas workshop at St Nicholas Church at 3pm on Saturday. Activities, which are suitable for all ages, will include crafts, collage, puzzles and church trails.
North Walsham town centre will be closed from 11am on switch-on day to allow for stalls to be set up, with free parking available at North Norfolk District Council car parks. To donate to North Walsham Christmas lights fund, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/nwxmaslights
