Monday 3 November, 2008
Visitors to Guildford can celebrate the festive season in style on Thursday 20 November at the official town centre Christmas lights switch-on.
Nigel Havers, star of Aladdin at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre will join Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Jennifer Jordan and 96.4 Eagle radio's Peter Gordon on the Guildhall balcony to light up the town at 7pm.
Organised by Guildford Borough Council, the build-up to the big switch-on starts from 11am with lots of activities planned throughout the day, including:
- a family of reindeer and their sleigh in the High Street, thanks to Your Insurance Group
- music from BBC Last Choir Standing finalists ACM Gospel Choir, Guildford County School Big Band, Guildford Cathedral Boys, and Funtastic
- face painting, novelty stalls and a traditional carousel
- artistic light installation by Mary Branson at the Abbotts Hospital – free to enter
- visits by Father Christmas and the opening of Santa's grotto at Debenhams, Millbrook
- spectacular firework finale, courtesy of White Lion Walk
The event marks the start of late night shopping in the town centre. To entertain shoppers, the Salvation Army Band will play popular Christmas music outside Marks and Spencer from 7.30pm.
For more information on Christmas in Guildford visit our Christmas pages, or alternatively call the Tourist Information Centre on 01483 444333.
If you would like to get involved in Guildford's Christmas celebrations, call Chris Howard, Town Centre Manager on 01483 444331.