Final preparations are underway for leading fantasy author Sir Terry Pratchett to switch on Burnham-On-Sea’s Christmas lights today (Saturday, November 26th).
An afternoon of festive entertainment will be held from 2.30pm outside the Victoria Hotel in Victoria Street ahead of the big switch-on by Sir Terry (pictured) at 4.45pm.
Schoolchildren from St Andrew’s School and St Joseph’s School will perform carols to start the afternoon, followed by the Mudlarks Community Choir, and local rock group Vermin at 4pm.
Father Christmas is due to arrive at around 3.50pm on a train specially built by Burnham-On-Sea Lions Club.
Sir Terry – ‘the Grand Illuminator’ – will join Burnham’s Mayor, the town’s Carnival Queen and Princesses plus local radio presenter Ian Burrage for the switch-on ceremony itself at 4.45pm.
Due to time constraints, Sir Terry won’t be in a position to sign any individual books but pre-signed mementos will be handed out during the event.
Other attractions will include BEES (Burnham Excellent Entertainment Society) providing face painting, displays by local services including BARB, Burnham Lions, and refreshments from Burnham Lions.
Rhonda Mills, Chairman of Burnham’s Chamber of Trade, which is organising the event, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It is a great honour to have such a prominent author kindly agree to switch on our Christmas lights. We are very much looking forward to welcoming Sir Terry to Burnham and to be holding such a superb afternoon of entertainment.”
Victoria Street will be closed between The Ritz Cinema and Princess Street from around 12 noon to allow for setting up of the stage, equipment and other preparations.
Pictured: Sir Terry Pratchett – who has been dubbed on Twitter as the #Grandilluminator – and Santa at last year’s switch-on in Burnham
RELATED LINKS:
Burnham Chamber of Trade website
Facebook page for Christmas lights switch-on
