Stratford's beautiful Christmas lights switched on and a promise for a better stage for next year
LARGE crowds gathered to see the big Christmas lights switch-on take place in Stratford for the very first time on a Saturday – but not without criticism.
Previously the lights have been turned on to illuminate the town centre and celebrate the start of the festive season on a Thursday – usually the last in November.
However, this year’s event was moved to a Saturday by organisers for three main reasons:
- To merge two switch-on events into one. In previous years there have been separate switch-ons for the town centre and for Bell Court.
- A Saturday means events can be staged during the entire day, bringing more footfall to the town.
- Finally, many residents and visitors said having the weekday switch-on made it difficult to attend.
There was plenty of entertainment on offer for all the family to enjoy throughout the day to enjoy including Magic Alley’s Father Christmas horse-drawn carriage, festive shopping, Christmas market, festive trail, local choirs and other acts, as well as Christmas-themed entertainment.
Thousands then lined the town streets to take part in the big countdown before mayor of Stratford Cllr Gill Cleeve switched on the beautiful array of lights at 5.15pm.
However, the big switch-on was a switch-off for some who had complained those at the back could not see the stage and that the sound system was far from ideal.
Cllr Cleeve said she recognised these issues and told the Herald they would be ironed out for next year.
“It was so lovely to see so many people coming to the town on Saturday. We had more than we normally would do and there were so many positive comments,” she said.
“So many families had come along to see the lights being switched on and it was an honour to stand on the stage for this year’s event.
“Being the first switch-on to take place on a Saturday, there were a few teething problems but these will be addressed.
“With there being so many people in town it got rather crowded and it made movement difficult for people in wheelchairs, so we’re looking into having an accessible area next year.
“There was also an issue with the sound system which meant people could not hear what was being said.
“It’s also my understanding that the stage was put in the wrong place at the last minute.
“We are fully aware of the issues raised and we will iron those out.”
Cllr Cleeve went on thank the Stratford Christmas Lights committee, Stratford BID and the rest of the switch-on partners for putting on a “magical evening”.
“Without all those, the Christmas lights switch-on just would not be possible,” she added.
“It was great to see so many people in town and what we will do now is have a debrief to see how we can make it even better and safer for next year.”
