Stafford is set for the biggest party of the year when thousands flood into the town for the annual Christmas lights switch-on next month.

The skies above the county town will be illuminated on Saturday 21 November and the day will include live music and street entertainment before the lights are turned on at 5pm. It will be followed by a firework display then more live music to keep the crowd singing and dancing in the town’s Market Square.

Stars of this year’s Stafford Gatehouse panto, Aladdin, will join the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Mark Winnington, and Father Christmas on stage to launch what is the town’s traditional countdown to Christmas Day. They will include children’s favourite Mark Rhodes and popular dame David Phipps-Davis along with Samantha Spragg who plays the Genie.

The festive event, managed by Freedom Leisure, attracts around 10,000 into the ‘Square’ and surrounding streets - providing the “perfect showcase” for Stafford as a great place for people to do their Christmas shopping.

The day will begin at 12 noon with a community ‘Walking Parade’ starting at Tipping Street and travelling through the town with around 100 people representing ten local groups taking part.

A giant 40ft decorated Christmas Tree will take centre stage in the ‘Square’ while a huge video screen will make sure everyone has a good view of the event - although organisers are urging people to arrive early, as the main area in Market Square will be temporarily closed from 4.45pm for safety reasons.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the Borough Council said: “The Christmas Lights Switch on event provides the perfect showcase for our county town in the run up to the big day.  

“I am sure the event will be as popular as ever and attract thousands of shoppers and families to the town centre in what has always been considered as Stafford’s traditional countdown to Christmas Day. 

She added: “One of the best moments for me is seeing the smiles on the faces of the children when those beautiful lights are turned on - it really is a wonderful experience.”  

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

“We are also pleased to have brought community groups together for the ‘Walking Parade’ through the heart of the town celebrating a range of organisations that help make Stafford a great place to be.”  

More details and timings for the day will be available soon. Tickets for Aladdin at the Gatehouse Theatre are available from 01785 619080 or www.gatehousetheatre.co.uk/ 

Press Release No 6340