It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Guildford and this year the festive Lights will be turned on at 7pm on Thursday 20 November followed by a spectacular firework finale presented by White Lion Walk. The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr David Elms will be joined on the Guildhall balcony by 96.4 Eagle Radio’s Peter Gordon and star of the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s pantomime, Josie Lawrence.
So come and join in the fun at the official start of the festive season where the fun kicks off on the new Experience Guildford stage (outside the Holy Trinity Church) at 12pm. Highlights on the Experience Guildford stage include Guildford College Performing Arts students; Creative Minds, Carols at Christmas; Rock Choir; The Guildford Fringe Theatre Company and students from the Performance Preparation Academy.
Don’t miss the chance to meet the Frozen princesses, Elsa and Anna, who will be appearing around town throughout the day, plus there will be mascots, reindeer, singing and plenty of extra entertainment to enjoy.
Cllr Gordon Jackson, Lead Councillor for Economic Development says, “The Christmas lights switch-on is one of the best days of the year in Guildford and this year is better than ever! We’ve got a fantastic programme of events, thanks to all our partners, so come along and enjoy the best way to start the festive season in style.”
Here’s the comprehensive listings of all the traditional Christmas events taking place around the town including:
All day- festive stalls on the High Street
From 12pm- visit the reindeer at The Rotunda, North Street, the Newfoundland dogs outside Debenhams and meet Peppa Pig at The Friary Centre
12.45pm- meet the Frozen Princesses at Tunsgate Shopping Centre. Elsa and Anna will also appear at The Friary Centre at 2.15pm and White Lion Walk at 3.45pm
2.30pm-4pm- Santa will be in town! Come and find Father Christmas as he visits his reindeer and spreads cheer across the town centre
5pm- the traditional mascot parade from White Lion Walk to the Guildhall
6pm- don’t miss the big build-up to the switching on of the lights with Peter Gordon (96.4 Eagle Radio) on the Guildhall balcony and Nick Wyschna (Guildford Fringe) on the Experience Guildford stage
7pm- Josie Lawrence and the cast of the Yvonne Arnaud pantomime light up the town, plus fantastic fireworks thanks to White Lion Walk (don’t miss local favourites, The Charley Farley Sunday Four playing us out)
Amanda Masters, General Manager at Experience Guildford has added, “We’ve really pulled out all the stops this year for the Christmas lights switch-on with a full day of fun and entertainment for all the family. The new Experience Guildford stage has enabled us to double the number of performances on offer, plus the celebrations start from midday so there’s something for all ages. The Christmas lights always prove a phenomenal draw to the town and an exciting start to Guildford’s busiest shopping season.”
Organised by Guildford Borough Council and Experience Guildford, this year’s celebrations will also mark the start of late night shopping in the town centre, which will run every Thursday evening until December 18.