Spectacular Christmas lights switch-on lights up Stafford town centre
The streets of Stafford were filled with festive cheer on Saturday, November 22, as Freedom Leisure, in partnership with Stafford Borough Council, staged the town’s spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-On. Nearly 10,000 visitors gathered in Market Square to celebrate the traditional season kick-off.
The afternoon began at 2pm, featuring an array of live entertainment, street theatre, traditional fairground rides, and a set from local band Cartoon Kings. The Borough Mayor, Councillor Jenny Barron, was joined on stage at 5pm by Britain’s Got Talent magician Jack Rhodes, Father Christmas, and stars from the Gatehouse Theatre’s pantomime Sleeping Beauty, to lead the official countdown.
A 40-foot decorated Christmas tree and giant video screens provided a stunning visual centrepiece. Following the switch-on, a specially arranged quieter firework display lit up the sky from the Guildhall rooftop this year while works are taking place on the building. Afterwards, live music continued into the evening, warming hearts and spirits.
Alistair Gould, Area Manager for Freedom Leisure in Stafford, said: “This is one of the biggest days of the year in the town centre calendar and we’re thrilled to deliver such a vibrant event. The festive atmosphere, entertainment all afternoon and that magical moment when the lights come on, met with the cheers of thousands truly brings the community together.”
