Thousands gather at Leicester's Town Hall Square for Christmas lights switch-on
Thousands of people wrapped up warmly and packed out the Town Hall Square in Leicester for the traditional Christmas lights switch-on.
They gathered yesterday afternoon to watch the Lady Mayoress, Hilary Blackmore, officially launch the city’s Christmas festivities.
Mrs Blackmore was joined by two youngsters, Tian Clark, eight, and Leigh Ingram, also eight – chosen by the Lord Mayor Roger Blackmore – to help flick the switch.
Tian, from Braunstone South, said: “It’s frightening to get up in front of all those people. I had to do a performance in front of my school once, but this is worse.
“I love Christmas, all the lights and colours are really good and I love getting presents too.”
Leigh, from Eyres Monsell, said: “At first, it makes you nervous but then after about five minutes you calm down and start to enjoy yourself.
“All the lights look really pretty and it makes the town look really Christmassy.”
The 7,000-strong crowd cheered as the lights flickered into life and fake snow was pumped from the Town Hall.
The countdown came from members of the Heart FM breakfast show, who also compered the event.
Before the switch-on, the crowd was entertained by the Emmanuel Apostolic Choir, the Ratby Youth Brass Band, De Montfort University’s Gospel Choir and glam rockers, The Platforms.
Victoria Beresford, nine, from Narborough, said: “The lights are exciting when they come on and it makes me happy.”
Bryony McLean, 11, also from Narborough, said: “I like coming here with my friends and my mum and watching the lights get switched on.
“Christmas is my favourite time of year, I like the lights but I think I like the presents better.”
Rob Chambers, 35, from Narborough Road, had brought his daughter Samantha, four, to watch the festive spectacle.
He said: “I remember the Christmas lights switch-on from when I was young and I think it’s important to carry on the tradition. I’d love to think Sam can appreciate the lights as much I did when I was little.”
Visitors also got the chance to see this year’s festive tableaux, in Town Hall Square, which includes scenes from Paddington Bear and Wind in the Willows.
After the event, people were invited for hot drinks and mince pies at Bishop Street Church.
See more pictures of the event by clicking here.
10 Comments
by julie beasley, leicester
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 2:42PM
“was great to watch xmas light switch on at town hall square was dissapointed thou as not all pics were in mercury we had ours taken a lady took 2 of me and my daughter shelby and son owen at the front and they was excited to buy the mercury to see themselfs in it but was dissapointed wasnt in they had told friends and family they had pic took thanks mrs j beasley”
by devdas raja, melton road
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 1:10PM
“great light show”
by vasanta rani, belgrave road
Tuesday, November 24 2009, 10:21AM
“FANTASTIC LIGHTS LOT BETTER THAN DIWALY LIGHTS NICE PLACE ALL ENJOYED”
by Dodgite, Braunstone
Monday, November 23 2009, 3:10PM
“Nice event. It is always lovely to see the Christmas lights be put up. My only question is, where was the big name celebrity to turn them on??? Why doesn't Leicester City ever get anyone special to switch on the light? It happens everwhere (from what i believe) so why not here?”
by emma and william clark, town hall
Monday, November 23 2009, 2:23PM
“well done tian were all really really proud of you you did a fab job son love you lots”
by EM, Leicester
Monday, November 23 2009, 12:53PM
“I am appalled there are no photos of Paddington Bear in either today's Mercury or on the website. Paddington is a celebrity and the majority of the crowd was there to see him (judging by the roars of the crowd when he came on stage). How has the Mercury glossed over this? Sack your photographers. Only 2 photos of the event? Poor poor poor.”
by Richard, Leicester
Monday, November 23 2009, 12:07PM
“"IT'S NOVEMBER!"
Aaaarrggh! Can we not even wait for December this year. Drives me nuts it's not Christmas. (yet) I think this constant creep into earlier in the year spoils Christmas a little.”
by Scott, Leicester
Monday, November 23 2009, 11:08AM
“The Platforms were the highlight og the night.
They are fantastic.”
by Del Harper, Leicester
Monday, November 23 2009, 10:51AM
“Well done Tian, we're all proud of you. Nanna, Uncle Baz, Gaz, Martin and Auntie Tasha.x”
by A, Leicester
Monday, November 23 2009, 10:33AM
“The lights were lovely, but with little to no crowd control, the pushing and shoving that went on made the whole event a disappointment. I saw one lady pushed over and another chap with a push chair could wait no longer to leave the event and just shoved the chair through the crowd. I bet there are a few bruised ankles today.”