Christmas in Stafford 2008
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Christmas in Stafford began with a dazzling day of entertainment in the town centre on Saturday 22 November, with the Christmas Lights Switch-on and Santa Parade. Christmas in Stafford gets bigger and better every year, with entertainment and activities for every member of t he family.The festive fun started at 11.00am with the ever-colourful Santa Parade, coordinated in partnership with the Guildhall Shopping Centre. Starting in Earl Street, the parade weaved its way around the town, before passing through Market Square and along Stafford Street back to its start point on Earl Street. The theme to this year's parade was Aladdin, the Christmas 'Wok 'n' Woll' Pantomime set in China, showing at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre from Thursday 11 December. Santa headed up the parade in his reindeer drawn sleigh, and Children's favourite Scooby Doo was picking up his Scooby snacks on route around the town! | |
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Local school children got involved in art workshops in the run up to Christmas in Stafford, and joined the parade, proudly displaying their Aladdin themed masterpieces along the way.
There was activity in Market Square throughout the day. Santa's reindeer stayed around for some much-deserved fuss, and families were able to visit them at the Guildhall Shopping Centre. |
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Presenters on the Market Square stage built the excitement throughout the day, introducing fun performances and entertaining the crowds as the countdown began to the grand Christmas Lights Switch-on followed by a Firework spectacular launched off the roof of the Guildhall Shopping Centre, high above the Market Square. At 12noon the Mayor awarded prizes for the Christmas Poster Competition and for the Best Float, and the Town Crier summoned the Stafford townspeople with his very best 'Oyez, Oyez'. BBC Radio Stoke presenter, Tim Wedgwood, has now hosted the event over last three year's, and commented that this was one of the biggest and best yet. He was on stage in the Market Square from 2:00pm and performances included belly dancers, choir groups, singers, bands, a fashion show, and a special Aladdin, the Wok 'n' Woll Panto performance from the stars of the show. The event climax ... a spectacular fireworks display over the Market Square, launched from the roof of the Guildhall Shopping Centre was once again stunning, as the lights went on throughout the town. For more information on other events taking place in and around Stafford this Christmas, please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01785 619 619 or email tic@staffordbc.gov.uk. ~ ~ Aladdin, the Wok 'n' Woll Panto - Stafford Gatehouse Theatre ~ Guildhall Shopping Centre - Programme of Christmas Events at the Guildhall ~ ~ Christmas in Stafford - Leaflet ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Schools Poster Competition Certificates
The dramatic Christmas Lights Switch On took place at 5.00pm, following that energetic performance from the cast of this year's Aladdin pantomime production.
The Mayor of Stafford Borough, the Town Crier, and of course Scooby Doo, were all on stage to pull the switch!
~ Black and White
~ Colour
There are many other events running throughout the year. For a full programme of Events in 2008 click the link, or for more information on Stafford Borough Council organised events, please contact:
Email: tic@staffordbc.gov.uk
Tourist Information Centre
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LTTel 01785 619619
All details and dates were correct as at November 2008 and may be subject to change.