RESIDENTS and visitors have been urged to put Saturday November 23 in their diaries as that’s the date for the big Christmas lights switch-on in Newton Abbot.
The day will feature street food stalls, free children’s entertainment, a walkabout Polar Bear, stiltwalkers and live broadcasts by Devon Air Radio presenter Chris Coleman.
Also promised is a return visit from the Ipplepen Carnival Float, the crew from Newton Abbot Fire Station in one of their gleaming red engines (subject to operational demands) and, of course, Santa and his sleigh.
Events get under way at 9am when street food vendors fire up their stoves.
Free facepainting, balloon modelling and crafts will take place from 12 noon – 4pm and free fireside selfies can be had in Santa’s Grotto at St Leonard’s Tower between 2pm – 4pm.
The walkabout Polar Bear will be in town 2pm – 2.30pm and again from 3pm – 3.30pm while the ever-popular Taiko Drummers will perform at 2.30 pm and 3.10pm.
Stilt walkers will mingle with the crowds from 4pm then attention will shift towards St Leonard’s Tower shortly before 5pm when free hats and sweets will be handed out by Santa’s little helpers.
The giveaway will be followed by the arrival of the great man himself and the rest of the festive parade, with the lights switch-on being conducted by Mayor Cllr Alex Hall and Father Christmas at 5.30pm.
Afterwards Mr and Mrs Clause will meet with their army of young fans until 6.30pm.
Cllr Hall said: ‘Once again the town of Newton Abbot will welcome the start of the Christmas season with a wonderful day of free family fun and entertainment, courtesy of the Town Council and no end of helpers behind the scenes.
‘The celebrations will be followed on Wednesday December 4 with our traditional Victorian Evening, then we will have the lantern workshop and 12pm dog-friendly carol service on Saturday December 7.
The Lantern Parade at 6.30pm on Wednesday December 11 will no doubt prove to be a huge draw once again, then on December 18 I’ll be hosting the Mayor’s Carol Service from 6.30pm at St Leonard’s Tower.
‘Don’t forget there will be late night shopping each Wednesday on December 4, 11 and 18 when Santa will be in town and his grotto open for selfies.
‘Look out for the posters, follow the Town Council on social media and visit our website for all the details.
‘Here we go Newton Abbot, Christmas 2024 is on its way!’
The full events listing can be viewed at www.newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk.
Some images below from previous Christmas events in Newton Abbot
