Final preparations are underway for Burnham-On-Sea’s Christmas lights switch-on, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday, November 23rd).
An outdoor Christmas street market with festive food and craft stalls will be held from 10am, followed at 2.30pm by an afternoon of seasonal music and entertainment outside the Victoria Hotel in Victoria Street.
Organised by Burnham Chamber of Trade, the event will see BBC Somerset presenter Emma Britton and Burnham’s World BMX cycling champion Liam Phillips officially turn on the Christmas lights at 4.45pm.
Local choirs, dance groups and hand bell ringers will perform a line-up of festive-themed music and entertainment from 2.30pm, leading up to the big switch-on. Father Christmas will also be handing out free gifts at around 3pm.
“It promises to be a superb day to mark the official start of Burnham’s Christmas shopping season and we are delighted to have both Liam and Emma lined up to light up our town centre this year,” said a Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade spokesman.
Sedgemoor District Council will also be providing free parking from 4pm to encourage visitors to attend the switch-on and do some early Christmas shopping.
DJ Ian Burrage will lead the entertainment and both Burnham Lions, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and the Town Team are also supporting the event.
Liam produced a sensational performance to become the BMX world champion in New Zealand in July and he also represented Great Britain at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He is also a former pupil of Berrow School and King Alfred School.
The lights switch-on is one of several events being organised by Burnham’s Chamber of Trade to promote local business.
A late-night shopping evening is also being organised in Burnham town centre for Thursday December 5th when many shops will be open until 8pm and free entertainment will be available along the High Street.
RELATED LINKS:
Burnham Chamber of Trade website
