Harrogate Borough Council

You are here: Residents > Council & Democracy > Council News > Press Releases (08-09) > Harrogate Christmas lights party switch on night - 20 November

 

 

 

Harrogate town centre will be lit this Christmas following a joint funding campaign between Harrogate Retailers' Forum, Harrogate College, Stray FM, Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, Harrogate Advertiser, Tetleys of Harrogate Electric Contractors and Harrogate Borough Council.

 

Lights have also been sponsored by Hoopers; Waitrose; Destination Harrogate; Victoria Shopping Centre; Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce; Marks & Spencers; and Debenhams

 

The switch on 'blockbuster' event is being held on the first late night shopping on Thursday, 20 November between 5.00 pm and 6.00 pm.  The venue is the piazza at the Victoria Shopping Centre off Station Parade.

 

The stage will include live performances from legendary blues performers Jake and Elwood, local indie-rock band and growing phenomenon, D'Nile, and the cast of Harrogate Theatre's Pantomime with Prince Charming, Cinderella, Buttons and no Christmas show could be complete without the Ugly Sisters.

 

Stray FM will be presenting live from the stage and all its well known presenters will be getting into the swing of the panto season.  There will be singing as well as dancing and hot chocolate courtesy of the Cedar Court Hotel.

 

One extra special guest will also be making an appearance to switch on the lights Father Christmas who is being delivered on his sleigh by Harrogate Lions Club.  He will be helped by the Mayor of the Borough of Harrogate, Cllr John Fox.

 

David Horth, General Manager of the Victoria Shopping Centre wants to thank everyone who has helped to pull this event together. He said:  "A lot of effort and support has gone into putting on this event and I hope that residents and visitors to Harrogate will enjoy the show and the Christmas shopping that Harrogate has to offer."

 

The legendary Jake and Elwood will be also be appearing at the Harrogate International Centre on Friday 19 December with their highly acclaimed Best Blues Brothers' Show in the world EVER!  Tickets cost £27.50 (may be subject to a booking fee but half price for children under 14 and senior citizens). Jake and Elwood are offering a £2 discount for bookings of a maximum of six from the ambulance service, police, nurses, fire service and armed forces.  So come along and party at this sneak free preview on 20 November.  You can also hear them at www.jakeandelwood.co.uk

 

In May, Harrogate based, D'Nile, was the first indie-rock band to play at the Royal Hall.  Liam Gray (vocals), Steve Mosby (lead guitar), Andy Mosby (bass), Jason Baldwin (guitar), and Andy Kearns (drums) rapidly gained success throughout 2007, mesmerising new fans with every performance.

 

On the back of their widespread and instant success the band have recently recorded five tracks including the much loved ballads "ÜCrazy" and "Miss You", both produced by Will Jackson of Kaiser Chiefs and Pigeon Detectives fame.  D'Nile write most of their own music and have plans to record further tracks in March. To listen to tracks and find out more visit www.myspace.com/dnileuk

Harrogate Theatre's festive pantomime returns with the greatest fairytale of them all Cinderella, which will amaze and entertain all ages this Christmas. Bursting with spectacular scenery, singalong songs and hissable villains, Cinderella will once again display all the hallmarks of Harrogate's truly traditional pantomime. Cinderella will be at Harrogate Theatre from Friday 28 November 2008 until Sunday 11 January 2009. To book your tickets contact the Harrogate Theatre Box Office on 01423 502 116.