Around 10,000 people were in Stafford town centre at the weekend to see a magical Christmas lights switch on.

The Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Jenny Barron, was joined by ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ magician, Jack Rhodes, Father Christmas, and stars from this year’s Gatehouse Theatre Panto, to pull the lever and illuminate the sky above the town on Saturday.

The afternoon had kicked off with entertainment and live music before the crowd took part in the traditional count down to the switch on - triggering a firework display from the Guildhall before live music returned to see the show out. Local radio, Vibe 1, compered the event throughout the afternoon and Jack Rhodes performed his special brand of magic from the stage. 

The festive extravaganza is organised by Freedom Leisure on behalf of Stafford Borough Council and provides the “perfect showcase” for the county town as the place for people to do their Christmas shopping.

The giant 40ft decorated Christmas Tree was lit up in the centre of the ‘Square’ while giant video screens captured proceedings so everyone had a good view of the event.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the Borough Council said: “The smiles on the faces of children and their families was fantastic to see. This event provides the perfect showcase for Stafford in the run up to the big day. 

“It was great to see so many people in the county town, singing, dancing and having a great time and I hope our local businesses were able to take advantage of the thousands of extra visitors - and continue to have a great Christmas trading period.”

Ross Stephenson, Freedom Leisure’s Events Manager, said: “This is the biggest day of the year in the town centre calendar and it was exciting working with the Borough Council to get everyone in the festive mood. There was lots of entertainment to get people in the party mood and then that very special moment when the lights went on, accompanied by the cheers of thousands of onlookers.”

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