Bideford preps for dazzling Christmas lights and lantern parade

Bideford’s Christmas light switch-on is fast approaching, with the big event being held on Sunday, December 1, running from noon until 7pm.

Organiser Lucy Lowe said: “The Quay will be filled with fairground rides, the funhouse and the Terminator will be with us, plus fairground food traders, Jubilee Square will be home to local food producers and crafts stalls - including the Fizzy Pheasant providing festival cocktails, North Devon Hog Roast, Candy’s Cuisine and Wilson’s Kitchen.

“At 5pm the lights will be switched on by a fundraiser of the Tony Hudgell Foundation - learn more about the work they do at the event.

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“There will be performances from the Town Band and Bideford Youth Pipe Band, the Youth Pipe Band will be heading the Parade. The Parade starts from Jubilee Square at 5:30 and will head along the Quay, up the High Street, along Mill Street, down Bridgeland Street and Back along the Quay to finish at Jubilee Square - everyone is welcome and we would love to see as many people dressed up as possible.

“Santa will be joining us for the event - keep an eye out for him around town.

“There will be circus workshops on the quay, stiltwalker and special guests. Something for all ages. We can’t wait to see you.”

Full activities throughout the day include:

12-2pm Quiet opening - minimal noise from any attractions to allow anyone with sensory sensitivity to enjoy the rides without the noise. Mill Street Shops are open - visit Mill Street and see amazing array of independent shops and services Bideford has to offer! Mill Street by Candlelight promises to add something magical to your experience, too.

2pm Live Music - Oliver Wattley

2-5pm Circus Workshops on the Quay. Stiltwalkers and special guests on Quay and along Mill Street. Buskers on Mill Street.

3pm Race the Reindeer

3:10 Sarah Ann Westcott Dance School

3:30pm Stagecoach Performing Arts

4pm Westcroft School Choir

4:30pm Louisa Hockins School of Performing Arts

5pm The Lights are Switched On

5-5:30 Bideford Town Band on stage

5:30pm Lantern Parade

5:35 St Mary’s School Choir

6:pm Live Music from Beckon the Wyrd and Fire Show

7pm event closes

The shops in Millstreet will be getting involved - Jolene Burgess has contacted local traders on Mill Street to take part in ‘Bideford by Candlelight’ - shops are asked to decorate their windows with electric candles - this can be done even if shops aren’t opening for the event - contact Jolene joleneszwer@yahoo.co.uk for more information.

Follow the event on Facebook by finding ‘Bideford Christmas Light Switch On 2024’ Find out more about the event organisers at their website: https://southwesteventmanagementsolutionscic.co.uk