Bracknell

With Christmas just a few weeks away, Bracknell Town Centre is about to launch an action-packed programme of festive activities to get you into the Christmas sprit.

The much-awaited switching on of the Christmas lights takes places on Sunday November 20. At lunchtime that day, children and their parents are invited to take part in a fairytale festive fancy dress parade and be the first to witness the daily snowfall which will turn the town centre into a Bracknell winter wonderland every day until Christmas.

Father Christmas, his reindeer, Bracknell Forest Borough Council’s horses Bracken and Bramble as well as characters from South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk will lead the magical parade which starts at 12noon on Broadway (near Woolworths), travels through Crossway and Charles Square, and ends in Princess Square at about 12.20pm.

Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite pantomime character from Cinderella to Snow White, Peter Pan to Aladdin. And there will be a prize for the best fancy dress, awarded by popular compere and DJ Steve Hyland.

As darkness falls visitors can see the festive finale – the light switch-on. 2-Ten FM breakfast show presenter Ollie Hayes will be joined at the switch by the Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, the Mayor of Bracknell Cllr Gareth Barnard, the fancy dress competition winners and a giant Eskimo to light the lights which set the night sky alight.

The switch-on spectacular will finish with a fantastic firework display sponsored by Bracknell Fireworks in the skies above Charles Square, while the award-winning Sandhurst Silver Band entertain the crowds with carols.

Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Mrs Jacqui Ryder, said: “The whole day is fantastic. From the panto procession to the switch-on everyone can really enjoy themselves. Christmas has come early and the day will have a real festive feel.”

Bracknell Forest Borough Council ~ 17 November 2005