Christmas lights across Gloucestershire 2007

7 December 2007 – Find out when the Christmas lights will be switched on, and by whom, with SoGlos.com’s guide to Gloucestershire’s Christmas lights 2007 – including Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, Stroud and Tewkesbury festive celebrations.

The month of November marks more than just the beginning of panic present buying and the annual dilemma of where to get the sustainable tree and organic turkey, it also sees streets and squares across Gloucestershire being lit-up with marvellous illuminations for the first time in the festive season.

Last year saw McFly, Father Christmas, local councillors and street performers all playing their part in the switching-on celebrations, so who will be making their way to the county this year to take part in the countdown? Find out when, where and who will be switching on the Christmas lights near you this year, with SoGlos.com’s comprehensive guide.

Christmas lights in Cheltenham 2007

Saturday 24 November 2007 – This year the Christmas lights in Cheltenham will be switched-on by former Coronation Street star turned pop singer Richard Fleeshman, who will also be performing his debut single for county crowds.

From 1pm until 4.30pm Christmas shoppers in Cheltenham High Street, Regent Arcade and Beechwood Shopping Centres will be entertained by an array of street performers including jugglers, The Dapper Chaps on their penny farthings and a giant snowman. Before the Star Radio Christmas Party begins in Imperial Gardens at 4.30pm, with favourite festive tunes and plenty of live entertainment.

At 5.35pm Father Christmas, together with Fifi and Bumble, will board Trigger the Train at the front of the Beechwood Shopping Centre for the journey along the High Street and up the Promenade to Imperial Gardens. Led by the Town Crier, illuminated by 4,500 light bulbs and escorted by a lively procession including the St Andrews Pipe Band from Cheltenham, the Eureka Jazz Band, together with street entertainers, cheer leaders and a myriad of characters from the Everyman Theatre’s pantomime Dick Whittington, Father Christmas will then arrive at Imperial Gardens to join the switch-on party.

At 6.15pm Father Christmas, the Mayor and Richard Fleeshman will meet on stage in Imperial Gardens, for the traditional countdown and the switch to be thrown on Cheltenham’s spectacular illuminations, with fireworks adding to the festive magic.

Christmas lights in the Cotswolds 2007

Thursday 22 November 2007 – Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will be giving Cirencester a festive make over to remember when the designer officially switches on Cirencester’s Christmas lights, from 6.30pm. There will also be performers on stage from 5pm, street entertainment and late night shopping at Cirencester’s shops.

Thursday 29 November 2007 – As part of Tetbury Festive Weekend 2007, Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park will be switching on Tetbury’s Christmas lights with live music and street entertainment from 6pm.

Friday 7 December 2007 – As part of Bourton-on-the-Water’s annual Victorian Late Night Christmas Shopping, the Christmas tree in the river will be switched on by Santa at 6pm.

Christmas lights in Gloucester 2007

Thursday 15 November 2007 – Father Christmas will be helped to officially switch on Gloucester’s Christmas lights by Keith Chegwin this year. With other special guests including Councillor Harjit Gill – The Mayor of Gloucester, Miss Gloucester – Dani Turner, Gloucester rugby stars, Severn Sound’s Black Thunders, Vaslav – BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s spoof Slovakian lorry driver and Dick Sheppard a local resident who is well known for his charity Christmas lights display at his home on Stroud Road.

The lights will be officially flicked on after a Christmas parade through the town centre when Father Christmas will be pulled by a pony-driven sleigh. The Christmas Parade will start from College Court on Westgate Street at 6.30pm, before Santa’s procession makes its way along Northgate Street, The Oxbode and onto Kings Square – where the big countdown begins.

Live music will add to the festive atmosphere in Gloucester, courtesy of The Red Hot Santa’s, The Gloucester Samba band and the Gloucester Gladiators Scout Band.

Christmas lights in Stroud 2007

Friday 7 December 2007 – Severnsound will be entertaining the crowds and Father Christmas will officially switch on Stroud’s Christmas lights this year, with help from local carol singers and handbell ringers. The event takes places from Stroud Subscription Rooms at 5pm.

Christmas lights in Tewkesbury 2007

Sunday 25 November 2007 – Launching the Tewkesbury Festival of Lights 2007, Tewkesbury’s Christmas lights will officially be switched-on following a day of festivities in the town from 2pm.

Event: Christmas lights switch-on across Gloucestershire 2007
Venue: Villages, towns and cities across Gloucestershire
Dates: November and December 2007 – see above for more details.
Times: Vary according to individual events – see above for more details.
Tickets: All of the Christmas lights events in Gloucestershire are free.

SoGlos.com
26 November 2007