High Wycombe town centre kicked off Christmas with a star-studded Light Switch On today, with a Pirate Ship, a Rockstar and over 7000 visitors…
High Wycombe welcomed the festive season in style earlier today, as the town centre’s traditional Christmas Light Switch-On took place across Frogmoor and the High Street, with more than 7000 visitors joining in the celebrations. Wycombe Sound kicked off the proceedings from the High Street stage with LIVE performances from Jackie Palmer’s Stage School and the BNU Swans Cheerleaders, whilst a busy Food Truck and Christmas Gift Market helped visitors get in the festive mood, with mulled wine the popular order of the day.
The ‘Peter Pan Parade’ – led by Captain Hook’s very own 12ft Wooden Ship – sailed down the High Street, with a star-studded line-up on deck – including Jake Wood (Eastenders) & Jake Canuso (Benidorm) – the cast of The Swan’s ‘Peter Pan’ Pantomime – as well as High Wycombe’s esteemed Mayor, Cllr Andrea Baughan, and Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council, Cllr Zahir Mohammed. A rousing chorus of carols was performed by the Parade, and public alike, before the ship sailed on to its next adventures.
Frogmoor’s Main Stage, sponsored by HSBC, was in full swing all evening, with performances from 10 local dance, music & drama groups, including the Glee Club Choir, Razzmatazz, The Blend Choir, Castle Street Dancers & Duck Musik, before a bona fide ‘Rockstar’ took to the stage, in the form of WWFC’s Manager, Gareth Ainsworth. Featuring on a LIVE feed from Sky Sports News, Mr Ainsworth belted out some tuneful festive classics, followed by a rendition for the football club’s popular ‘I’m A Wanderer’ song.
With a great Christmas cheer, GIANT button push from ALL our dignitaries & celebs, the town’s lights officially lit up the sky, before a finale performance from Gareth closed the main stage. But the fun didn’t end there, with 100’s of people continuing to enjoy the festive food, kid’s entertainment & music on the High Street stage.
Organised by town centre team, HWBidCo, the event was hailed a fabulous success by all. Chief Executive Melanie Williams commented;“We’ve had a fantastic evening and it’s been brilliant to be able to bring our traditional Christmas Light Switch On Event back to High Wycombe this year. We’ve loved having so many local businesses, groups & organisations involved, and it was a real ‘feel good’ event that has well & truly kicked off the festive season in style. It’s thanks to everyone involved for making this a memorable event!”
There’s even more to come from My Wycombe this Christmas:
- Festive Market (in association with Red Kite) – Sunday 28th November
- Christmas Vegan Market – Sunday 5th December
- Mrs Claus Kitchen ‘Pop Up’ Gingerbread Workshops – Sat 11th & Sun 12th December
For more information on news and events happening in High Wycombe town centre follow @hellomywycombe on Facebook and Instagram