Christmas lights in Gloucestershire 2008

5 December – Find out when the 2008 Christmas lights in Gloucestershire will be switched on with SoGlos.com’s guide – including Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, Gloucester, the Forest of Dean, Stroud and Tewkesbury.

The month of November traditionally sees Gloucestershire being lit-up with marvellous illuminations for the first time in the festive season, and 2008 will be no different.

A host of celebrities will join Father Christmas in the switching-on celebrations in Gloucestershire, find out when, where and who will be switching on the Christmas lights near you this year, with SoGlos.com’s comprehensive guide.

Don't miss SoGlos.com's Gloucestershire Christmas lights 2008 photo gallery, including highlights from the county's best festive lights celebrations.

Cheltenham Christmas lights 2008

Saturday 22 November 2008

Cheltenham’s Christmas lights will be switched on by Father Christmas with special guests including girl band The Honeyz this year. Once again, Christmas shoppers in Cheltenham High Street, Regent Arcade and Beechwood Shopping Centres will be entertained by an array of street performers from 3pm, before the Star Radio Christmas Party begins in Imperial Gardens at 5pm, with live entertainment from the Honeyz, Dhol Blasters and The Everyman Theatre’s Aladdin pantomime characters.

At 5.15pm Bob the Builder will switch on the lights at the Regent Arcade; with SpongeBob SquarePants switching the lights on at the Beechwood Shopping Centre at 5.30pm; Father Christmas will board Trigger the Train for the journey along the High Street and the Promenade to Imperial Gardens, before the traditional countdown is given for the switch to be thrown on more than 4,500 of Cheltenham’s spectacular illuminations, at 6.30pm.

Cotswolds Christmas lights 2008

Saturday 22 November 2008

As part of Cirencester’s Advent Festival 2008, the town’s Christmas lights will be officially switched on by a ‘mystery VIP’ at 6.30pm in the Market Place, after a torchlight procession has taken place. Carols, mulled wine and late night shopping will also add to the festive spirit in Cirencester this Christmas.

Thursday 4 December 2008

There will be late night Christmas shopping and a visit from Santa, when Tetbury’s festive lights are switched on this year, not to mention live music and street entertainment from 6pm.

Friday 5 December 2008

As part of Bourton-on-the-Water’s annual Victorian Late Night Christmas Shopping event, in 2008 the village’s eye-catching Christmas tree in the river will be switched on by Santa at 6pm. Bourton-on-the-Water’s shops will remain open until 9pm, offering visitors plenty of time to pick presents.

Forest of Dean Christmas lights 2008

Friday 28 November 2008

While Coleford was reportedly the first place in the UK to put up their Christmas street lights and decorations in October 2008, the official switching-on is set to take place more seasonally in November, from 6.30pm when round-the-world sailor Tony Meaken will flick the switch. This follows a fancy dress parade from Coleford Fire Station once again this year.

Saturday 29 November 2008

The Newent Christmas lights will be officially switched-on at 5.30pm, with a Christmas market open from 3pm in Market Square for a chance to pick up some presents too. Live music will also add to the atmosphere, while Father Christmas is also expected to pop up.

Friday 5 December 2008

Families across the Forest of Dean can see the Lydney Christmas lights being switched on at 7pm at Lydney Town Hall, following a Christmas procession led by none other than Father Christmas himself. Festive entertainment is also set to include late night shopping and a funfair.

Gloucester Christmas lights 2008

Sunday 23 November 2008

Father Christmas will be helped to officially switch on Gloucester’s Christmas lights in 2008 by none other than Christopher Biggins.

Severn Sound radio will be broadcasting at Gloucester Docks from 5.30pm, and from 6pm Class of 08, a tribute to High School Musical, will be playing live. Santa is due to make his big arrival by boat from 6.45pm, before a huge firework display and the switching-on of the lights by Biggins starts at 7pm.

Father Christmas will also lead the Christmas parade through Gloucester City centre from Westgate Street at 5pm, before the procession makes its way along Northgate Street, and to The Docks.

Stroud Christmas lights 2008

Friday 28 November 2008

Nailsworth Christkindl 2008 and the annual switching-on of the Nailsworth Christmas lights will be combined with an evening of festive fun and entertainment in the streets of the town, including live music and fairground rides, for another memorable year.

Friday 5 December 2008

Father Christmas will officially switch on Stroud’s Christmas lights this year, with help from local carol singers. The event takes places outside Stroud Subscription Rooms from 5pm.

Tewkesbury Christmas lights 2008

Sunday 30 November 2008

As part of the Tewkesbury Christmas Festival 2008, Tewkesbury’s Christmas lights will officially be switched-on by Father Christmas following a day of festivities in the town at 4.45pm.

Event: Christmas lights switch-on across Gloucestershire 2008
Venue: Villages, towns and cities across Gloucestershire
Dates: November and December 2008 – 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
29 November 2008