Christmas cheer came to Tamworth town centre on Sunday 26 November, when thousands of people enjoyed an afternoon of free festive entertainment for the whole family.
The yuletide season was kicked off in style with food stalls, festive drinks, fairground rides, walkabout nutcracker characters, live community performances from the main stage, plus projection screening on the castle wall.
This year the switch on took place at the Holloway end of the Castle Grounds with an estimated 8,000 people flocking to the town centre to enjoy the free festive fun which culminated in the fabulous projection screening from local groups, and a showing of the iconic animation of The Stickman.
The annual Christmas lights switch-on is organised by Tamworth Borough Council and is another free favourite in the town’s calendar of events which attracts thousands of people, who flock to the town to enjoy the celebrations each year.
Entertainment centred around the main stage at Holloway with performances from Carrieann Hathaway, D-day Juniors and Rockschool, Tamworth Panto, Tamworth Voices choir and Bryan Brindley.
Following the Christmas Lights Switch On at 5pm, New Urban Era showcased a Nutcracker themed community showreel projection on the castle involving the Mercian Singers, Just Perform Dance and Theatre School. Plus, a projection of the popular animated film The Stickman.
Bert & Gerts Christmas market was also in attendance, offering a wide range of locally made crafts and gifts.
Councillor Andrew Cooper, Portfolio Holder for Entertainment and Leisure said: “The Christmas lights switch-on is yet another popular event in Tamworth’s busy programme of free entertainment with a wide range of activities taking place throughout the town centre.
“It was incredible to see the return of crowds to the new location in the Castle Grounds, for an enjoyable afternoon of fun which really got everyone in the festive mood.
“There was something for everyone to enjoy and it was such a delight to see our castle transformed again with the projection of all the local groups and schools work and The Stickman film.”
Councillor Thomas Jay, Acting Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said:” This year we have worked towards making the town more festive with additional lighting, the return of Christmas trees adorning shop fronts throughout the town, and a craft market along Holloway.
“As part of our plans to make Christmas extra special in Tamworth, we are excited to showcase our first outdoor ice rink during the lead up to Christmas Day, plus, Santa’s grotto and nutcracker trail from 18-24 December. We hope residents join us in the town for some festive fun.”