Published: November 29, 2008
Burnham-On-Sea's Christmas lights to be switched on later today

Final preparations are underway for the switch-on of Burnham-On-Sea's Christmas later today, Saturday November 29th.

Over 60 lights have been installed on lamp posts and buildings in recent days to add a splash of festive colour to Burnham's main shopping areas.

A large Christmas tree has also been installed outside the Victoria Hotel in Victoria Street, pictured, from where the switch-on will be performed at 5pm by Glastonbury Festival boss Michael Eavis, who is this year's VIP guest.

An afternoon of entertainment will be held beforehand on a stage in Victoria Street, with a selection of Christmas songs and carols being performed by Burnham's Curtain Call School of Performing Arts at 2.30pm.

This will be followed at 3.30pm by local folk group, the ‘Jockstrap Ensemble’, who will play a selection of numbers from their repetoire.

From 4pm, Father Christmas will be breaking off from his hectic pre-Christmas schedule to distribute free sweets to local children.

And at 4.30pm Boulevard Swing will perform several numbers leading up to, and immediately following, the switch-on itself.

The entertainment will conclude at around 5.30pm when members of Burnham Chamber Of Trade and invited guests will move into the Princess for a reception to celebrate the switch-on of the lights.

Alex Turco, Chamber of Trade & Commerce Chairman, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The Chamber is pleased to announce this year’s switch on event to celebrate shopping in Burnham-On-Sea."

"Once again, various partners including the businesses of the town, the Town Council, the District Council and County Councillor Mike Facey have all made contributions to make sure that Burnham town centre is well decorated."

"There will be some additions and alterations to this year’s display following further investment into new lights. The Chamber of Trade & Commerce looks forward to welcoming customers, residents and visitors alike and wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas."

For safety reasons, Victoria Street will be closed to traffic from its junction with Vicarage Street to its junction with Princess Street from midday until 6pm on the day.