Lighting up Bromsgrove District for Christmas

Bromsgrove District’s annual Christmas Lights Switch On events are returning to the High Street and Rubery this November!

Back on Bromsgrove High Street, the festivities will be kicking off on Saturday 19 November with food and music at Bromsgrove BirdBox, street theatre entertainment and a Christmas Market.

There will be entertainment throughout the afternoon with street performances from 1pm until 5pm along the high street including the Wish Fairies, stilt walking with the Ice people, light walkers and juggling Steve Kaos.

Music at the birdbox will include choirs, singers, and panto characters from 12pm and will be broadcast live by BRMG Radio. Blackwell Concert Band will also be performing on the High Street. Food and drink on offer will include family favourites such as Pizza, Waffles, Candyfloss, hot drinks and more, as well as alcoholic beverages from Woodcote Brewery and Bayley’s of Bromsgrove.

This year everyone can enjoy the countdown and switch-on from anywhere on the High Street at 5pm. The lights will be counted down by Chairman Cllr Rod Laight and helpers at Birdbox and an event compère will throw the switch-on a simultaneous countdown at the Christmas Market outside Argos.

The two-day Christmas Market will take place on 18 and 19 November in line with the switch-on, in partnership with Friends of St Johns. There will be craft stalls hosted by local traders providing gifts and decorations, festive food and drinks, entertainment throughout the day and a countdown for the lights to be switched on at the top of the High Street. The Christmas market will run 9am to 4pm on the Friday and 9am until 6pm on Saturday.

The high street switch on will be followed by the popular Primrose Hospice Tree of Lights switch-on and blessing by Reverend Khan at 6pm outside Asda.

This event has kindly been supported by The Bromsgrove Indie Club, BRMG Radio, Primrose Hospice and Friends of St John’s.

Jo Slade from Friends of St John’s said: "We are looking forward to kicking the festive season off in Bromsgrove with the Christmas Markets. All stall holders are local and talented, so it'll be a great opportunity to buy locally made gifts and treats. We have a full day of entertainment on Saturday 19^th with buskers Billy Smith and Max Stockin, the Rock Choir, Sounds of Steel Drums and Vintage Class Singers will be with us for the Light Switch On at 5pm. Do come along and enjoy the atmosphere."

The Bromsgrove event will then be followed by more festive fun in Rubery Village on Saturday 26^th November on New Road.

The popular annual event in Rubery will this year see Santa turning on the lights at 5pm, alongside the Primrose tree of Lights.

There will also be street theatre acts and entertainment throughout the day from 2.30pm until 5pm including the Wish Fairies, stilt walking with the Ice people and light walkers, and juggling Steve Kaos, as well as performances by local singers Michelle Roberts and Charlie Thompson and more.

Cllr Michael Thompson, Leisure Portfolio Holder, said: “The switch-on events have always been incredibly popular and are the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. They are guaranteed to be fun, family-friendly events to welcome the start of the festive season.”

Please note, outdoor performances are subject to change/cancellation due to adverse weather conditions or if the Government’s Covid19 advice changes.

For further information about these Christmas events, please contact the council’s events team on 01527 534030 or email events@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk