All the Christmas activities in Tamworth starting with the lights switch on

Christmas 2024 in Tamworth gets officially underway in just eight days time. Big banners have appeared in Tamworth Castle Grounds and Ventura Park advertising the upcoming activities to mark the most wonderful time of the year.

And it all starts with the lights switch on next weekend. A gingerbread trail and Santa’s festive village are among the new attractions this Yuletide which stick out.

Tamworth’s Christmas lights will be officially switched on at 5pm on Saturday, November 23 by Cllr Gareth Coates, the Mayor of Tamworth, and Santa’s elves. It will take place in the Castle Grounds once again due to the town centre regeneration works in St Editha’s Square.

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Entertainment starts from 12 noon until 5.30pm with the switch on at 5pm at the Holloway end of Tamworth Castle Grounds.

Events and activities on offer include Bert and Gert’s festive market, Barker’s Family Fun Fair, food and drink stalls selling burgers, hot dogs, Indian delights, donuts, pancakes and hot and cold drinks, Tamworth Round Table’s Santa sleigh and a live entertainment stage featuring The D-Day Juniors and Tamworth Voices Choir, Tamworth Pantomime Company, The Santa Show Elves, Rory and The Revellers, the Youth Battle of the Bands runners-up, Glen Chevannes and the Jango Dancers, Together Community Gospel Choir and more.

Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, leisure and engagement, said: “It’s incredible how fast another year has flown by. This is a very popular event in our calendar of free entertainment for residents and visitors, and we are delighted to be able to hold this event on a Saturday this year, meaning visitors can also enjoy a day shopping in the town at our local businesses and Saturday market stalls.

“Christmas in Tamworth is special because of the amazing local community we have. This year the event will be hosted again at the castle grounds to make it accessible for everyone attending while regeneration work is taking shape.”

There is a temporary road closure at Silver Street, Holloway, Market Street and Holloway car park, between 6am and 10pm on the event day.

On the same day as the lights switch on, the gingerbread trail is launched in the town centre for one month from November 23 to December 23.

There are textile wreath and watercolour workshops on November 30 and December 1. Santa’s Christmas castle is on December 7, 8, 14 and 15. Castle by Candlelight is at Tamworth Castle on December 7 and 8. Santa Paws, which gives dogs the chance to meet Santa, is at the castle stables on December 21.

There are festive films and Christmas concerts at the Assembly Rooms including the Father Christmas show December 19 to 21. It all ends with Santa’s festive village in the Castle Grounds on December 20 to 22 just three days before the big day.

Gareth Coates, Mayor of Tamworth, said: “I am looking forward to the Christmas lights being switched on. This time is very special to me and my family.

“We really enjoy walking around the extra market stalls and getting a Spud Man potato.

“It is really nice to see, when walking round the town, residents smiling and enjoying what the town has to offer, from the ale trail, many excellent food establishments and shops selling great Christmas present ideas.

“Who needs internet shopping when you have Tamworth on your doorstep? I hope all residents get to enjoy the Christmas lights this year and have a safe festive period with your friends and family.”