Kenilworth gearing up for two Christmas light switch-ons

Young performers at last year's Warwick Road switch-on

The first switch-on will take place on Friday November 27 from 5pm by the clock tower in the Square, and is aimed at younger residents of the town.

Warwickshire radio station Touch FM will host the evening with a packed programme of events, including games and giveaways, a performance of the Nativity, entertainment from the cast of the Priory Theatre’s pantomime Beauty and Beast, dancers, musicians and a Michael Buble tribute act.

This will run up to 7pm when the lights will be switched on by the town’s mayor Cllr Michael Coker, Carnival Queen Imogen Silitto and Chair of Warwick District Council Michael Doody.

After the lights are turned on, Warwickshire pop band YKM will be on stage until 8pm to close the event.

Kenilworth Round Table (KRT) has arranged for the appearance of Santa Claus and a few of his elves in Talisman square during the switch-on, which signals the start of Santa’s journey through Kenilworth and Leek Wootton over the next three weeks.

All proceeds raised will go towards the annual KRT Senior Citizens Party in March.

Further attractions running during the evening include a Christmas market with charity and craft stalls run by several Kenilworth businesses and organisations, as well as a children’s fairground and a selection of hot food and refreshments.

The second, more traditional event will be held on Friday December 4 in High Street and will begin at 5pm.

The switch-on will feature brass bands and Christmas choirs, as well as a penny arcade, a Punch and Judy puppet show and a performance of the Nativity before the lights are switched on by the town mayor and the Carnival Queen at 6:30pm.

Paul Garrison, Kenilworth Town Development Officer, said: “The Christmas lights switch-ons are wonderful community events which always attract huge crowds into the town to mark the beginning of the Christmas

season.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supports these wonderful events and hope residents and visitors alike enjoy shopping, dining and relaxing in Kenilworth throughout Christmas and beyond.”

Warwick Road will be closed from 1pm on Friday November 27, and High Street will be closed from 4pm on Friday December 4.

Anyone wishing find out more about the events, the groups running the stalls and a full list of stage performance should visit kenilworthweb.co.uk.