Saturday 19 November 2011

Large Crowds Watch Lights Switch On

Hundreds of people lined Teme Street in Tenbury Wells late yesterday afternoon for the annual switching on of the Christmas Lights. Part of the street had been turned into an outside disco complete with Lasers and other lighting effects. (which made photography almost impossible - Thanks Sunshine!)
Sunshine Radio hosted the event from the top of their open top double decker bus.  There was a surprise visit from Father Christmas, and a walk about by Ray the Sunshine Cat.  
The lights were switched on by Tenbury Mayor, Liz Weston.

5 comments:

L Houchin said...

Hi, I thought the switch on of the lights this year was pretty awful. I remember when the brass band used to play carols on the steps of The Regal and it was a much gentler affair, last nights switch on was very loud, very raucous and not really aimed at small children for whom this is quite a magical event! Father Christmas made a very brief appearance, but the very bright lights at the top of the bus made it impossible for little children on the other side of the street to see him! There was a brief walkabout by Ray the Cat - not particularly festive - and the whole thing went on and on and on. I know I am not alone in feeling this as everyone around me was saying the same thing. I appreciate that traditional is not everyones cup of tea, but surely it should be aimed at children?

@WR15 said...

Thank you for your very constructive comments, all of which I totally agree with. I will make sure that your comments are passed on to the Chamber of Trade who now organise the event.

I think this year was a particular challenge because of the loss of the area in front of the Regal, as well as the lack of volunteers. Hopefully next year if the public realm work is completed there might be a better "space"

The Christmas lights were organised by a separate group, but were taken over by the Chamber of Trade by default. Perhaps if there is enough interest a new group can be formed with new energy and ideas?

Ian said...

I was unable to be there last night (maybe a good thing in view if LH's comments!). I think we should thank the Chamber of Trade for being willing to organise the event in these straightened times - but also take up WR15's suggestion that perhaps the event might be better organised by a small, ad hoc, working group.

Anonymous said...

I must admit i agree with 'L Houchin' on this. Where was the festive feel to it? the band the carols ect, i can safley perdict that when santa comes to town it will be nothing like it was years ago, last year people didnt even know where the grotto was. I would love to offer my help as a volunteer for future events but how does one go about it?

@WR15 said...

To volunteer for Tenbury Events visit http://tenburyevents.com/contact/

The Light Switch On & Santa Parade are organised by the Chamber of Trade. The current chairman is Sarah Thompson, Special Occasions (Card Shop) Contact details on http://tenburychamber.co.uk/phone/