ITV West weatherman Bob Crampton and an inspirational Burnham-On-Sea resident who has raised over £50,000 for charity are to switch on the town’s Christmas lights today (Saturday).
The event, in Victoria Street, will be preceded by an afternoon of live entertainment and family attractions from 3pm, organised by Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce.
There will be performances on stage from Lisa Jane School of Dance at 3.05pm, the Mudlarks at 3.30pm and St Andrew’s School Choir at 3.55pm.
Father Christmas will make a special visit at 4.20pm before performances continue from Paul Young at 4.20pm, then Brent Knoll School choir at 4.40pm, Coastline Singers at 5.05pm followed by St Joseph’s school choir at 5.30pm.
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm by ITV West weatherman Bob Crampton with the Mayor & Mayoress and fundraising Burnham postie Mark Penfold. This will be followed by a performance from Burnham on Song at 6.05pm.
There will also be refreshments, stalls, displays and fun fair attractions including the Toyset Carousel and Crazy Castle throughout the afternoon.
A number of Town Centre shops and cafes will be staying open later afterwards so shoppers can start their festive shopping and support local traders. Burnham and Highbridge Town Band will be playing in the High Street from 6.15pm.
Victoria Street from Regent Street to Vicarage Street and a section of Princess Street will be closed to all traffic from Midday until 7pm on the day. Free parking will be available after 4pm in Burnham’s town centre car parks.
To get shoppers in the Christmas mood, between 11am and 3pm in the High Street there also will be entertainment from a busking hip-hop Santa Claus, King Alfred Concert Band and visits from Festive Foxey, Mr Fox and a walkabout juggling elf!
We featured Burnham charity fundraiser Mark Penfold earlier this year during his inspirational fundraising efforts.
After the lights switch-on, a fundraising evening called ‘Blitz at the Ritz’, organised by BEST, will be held at the Ritz Social Club in Victoria Street.
