Mason's Arms set for Christmas lights switch on

The Mason’s Arms in Long Marston is to hold a spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On event on 3 December in aid of the Shakespeare Hospice.

The pub will have the biggest Christmas tree in Stratford, measuring 25 feet tall, with thousands of lights primed to be switched on.

Music on the night will be provided by the Shipston-on-Stour Brass Band and local choirs, while organisers have also promised to make it snow.

Guest of honour at the switch on will be Santa, who will pop by to spread a bit of festive cheer, while visitors are also encouraged to come along in their finest yuletide knitwear for a Christmas jumper competition.

To ensure guests don’t go hungry a BBQ selling hot turkey rolls, an outside bar and a mulled wine station have been organised.

Visitors will also be able to try their luck at the tombola and raffle stalls, while a number of games will be on offer for children.

The event has been organised by landlords Adam Jones and Derek Lee, who were determined to buy a Christmas tree for the village.

Adam said: “It started off as a 12ft tree but in true Mason’s Arms style the idea has just grown and grown to the point where we’ve got a 25ft one, the biggest in Stratford.

“We’ve got 1300 metres of lights to put up on the tree and around the garden and if it turns out anything like I envision, it’s going to be spectacular. We decided to support the Shakespeare Hospice because it is just such a great cause and one that the whole village tends to get behind.”

To support the Shakespeare Hospice, people will be invited to pick up a bauble to decorate and put it on the Christmas tree.

Baubles cost £2 will all money raised going to charity.

For more information about the event call 01789 720586.