ACTIVITIES and attractions will be awaiting visitors to Bromyard this weekend as the town gears up to switch on its Christmas lights.

The eagerly awaited Bromyard Christmas lights switch-on event will be held on Saturday, November 16, with events starting from midday.

Now in its 61st year and with sponsorship from numerous local companies including DRM Coaches, Legges, Herefordshire Care Homes and the Barrels, Hereford with additional funding from Bromyard and Winslow Town Council and the Government Levelling Up Fund, the Bromyard Christmas lights switch-on event is going from strength to strength.

The event will feature Santa’s parade, Santa’s grotto, local artisan and food market, the lantern parade, decorated pram and bicycle competition, live music, the light switch-on ceremony and, new for 2024, a video screen with live feeds from across the event throughout the day.

The Big Party is a family-friendly celebration of all things festive, starting with Santa’s parade, where families and children of all ages welcome Santa to the town and watch his arrival at the grotto with his elves and special helpers. Those with pre-purchased tickets can visit the grotto, where Santa will ensure that, as long as you have been good, you will receive a special gift.

A Christmas Market featuring local products, and a range of food providers will be situated in the town, while the lantern parade will feature over fifty participants, with the Bromyard Drummers leading the way.

The Big Party stage will feature a wealth of local talent including Nightporters, Junction 7, Bromyard Wind Band, Caroline Nin, Stable Beats, Bredenbury School Choir, Delta Soul, Hot Rox, Mice in a Matchbox, Huw Knight Viv Bell and Our Star Theatre Company.

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The town will also welcome back X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent's Russell Jones Jr, who switched on the lights in 2023. 

The lights will be switched on at 5.30pm, and will be shown on the big screen for those unable to get to the front of the crowd, and will be followed by performances from top local acts in the Market Square.

Access to the event itself is free, there is well-signed parking available throughout the town and there will be designated blue badge parking.