Countdown to Christmas has begun
A concert featuring a world-renowned opera singer, juggling snowmen and stilt-walking angels, Santa in his grotto, an art market and a disco for teenagers are just some of the events to accompany the switching-on of Marlborough's Christmas lights.
We Love Christmas, in association with Brewin Dolphin, takes place on Thursday, 26 November, and is run by We Love Marlborough in partnership with Marlborough Chamber of Commerce and Marlborough Christmas Lights Association.
The highlight of the event is a concert, sponsored by Equilibrium Wealth Management Ltd, by the world-renowned opera singer Maria Jagusz in the beautiful surroundings of St Peter's Church. Mezzo soprano Maria will be supported by local acts The Songmen and the Kennet Accordion Orchestra.
Other events include a Santa's Grotto, sponsored by independent toy shop Ducklings, and an art market in the town hall, based on the well-received summer art markets run by We Love Marlborough, and featuring the work of 25 local artists and crafts makers.
Meanwhile, a troupe of street entertainers, including stilt-walking angels and juggling snowmen, will entertain the crowds, while festive foods, including a hog roast, chestnuts and mulled wine, will be available around the town centre.
Traders who wish to book a street act to perform outside their business premises should book now by calling Diana Turnbull on 078 058 13259.
Many shops will be opening until 8pm, allowing families to browse and buy in the festive glow of the Christmas lights. And a disco for under 18s is being held at Azuza in Hughenden Yard.
TIMETABLE
2pm-8pm Art Market, Town Hall
3pm-8pm Santa's Grotto, Ducklings, Hillers Yard
5.45pm-7.45pm Street Entertainers, various locations around town
6pm School Choir Competition, St Mary's Church
6.30pm-7.30pm Kennet Valley Brass, outside Town Hall
7pm Lights switch-on, outside Town Hall
7.15pm Under 18s Christmas Disco, Azuza, Hughenden Yard
7.30pm Christmas Concert, St Peter's Church
We Love Christmas is supported Wiltshire Council, through the Marlborough Community Area Board, Marlborough Chamber of Commerce, Marlborough Town Council, Ducklings, Thring Townsend and Wessex Print.
For more information visit www.welovemarlborough.co.uk