Ashington Town Council Announces Spectacular Christmas Light Switch-On Event
Ashington Town Council is thrilled to announce the return of its annual Christmas Light Switch-On event, set to dazzle residents and visitors alike on Thursday, 28th November 2024. This year’s celebration promises to be bigger and brighter than ever, featuring a captivating Lantern and Toy Parade alongside a host of festive activities for the whole family.
The event will take place from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM, centred around the YMCA on North View and extending onto Station Road. This magical evening is designed to kick off the holiday season in style, bringing the community together for an unforgettable celebration.
The festivities will commence at the YMCA, where local community groups and organisations will host a variety of free activities. Attendees can look forward to engaging in creative Christmas crafts and participating in fun holiday-themed games, all at no cost. These activities offer a perfect opportunity for families to get into the festive spirit while enjoying quality time together.
Ashington Sea Cadets - fun Christmas crafts
Ashington Swimming Club - enjoy a sweet treat to eat or take away, the Swimming Club will be doing some festive biscuit decorating
Ashington RVS Social Care - are fundraising by selling knitted toys, scones and cakes
Asda - with fun Christmas quiz sheet and festive colouring sheets, you will also have the chance to enter Asda’s Annual FREE Raffle
Ashington Veterans and Elders Institute - free Christmas decoration activity pack to make or take away
Cambois Rowing Club - have a go on a rowing machine, see how fit you are!
Climate Action Wansbeck - using natural materials print Christmas cards to give out to your friends
ESCAPE Family Support - make some reindeer food ready for Santa and his reindeer coming
Friends of Ashington Community Woods - will have reindeer making kits, for you to make or take away
Full Circle Food Project - make salt dough Christmas decorations for your tree at home
Mortal Fools - will be running a Lighthouse making and decorating activity and chatting to people about what makes them light up and feel good!
Northumberland Community Bank - with a selection of Christmas crafts and games
Pride Action North - scratch art Christmas cards and decorations
Reiverdale Scout Group - make a lantern for the lantern parade with the Scouts
The Bothy - create Christmas tree decorations with Everyturn and Northumberland Recovery College
The Sewing Machine Guy - join Ellen and make beautiful clear filled baubles, adding a personal touch with names
Wansbeck Community Links - decorate your very own wooden tree ornaments to take away.
Wansbeck Valley Foodbank - design a Christmas themed tote bag
William Purves Funeral Directors - write a Christmas message for the Memorial Tree
Whilst enjoying some Christmas craft activities you will be entertained by performances from singer Darren Mitchell at 3.30pm, Gladwins Ballet and Stage School at 4.15pm and Ashington and District Male Voice Choir at 5.00pm. The Show Waddies will be entertaining everyone with Christmas tunes in the Lounge from 3.30pm.
The Lantern Parade in will feature a special addition this year - a fantastic toy parade. Ashington Town Council has been collaborating with talented Walk the Plank to deliver a fabulous parade complete with toy soldiers and a marching band. The inclusion of the toy parade element is expected to add even more excitement and spectacle to the community event. Residents will be treated to the parade’s colourful lanterns, creative costumes, and lively music to kick off the holiday season in style.
The fun continues on Station Road, from 1.00pm Koast Radio will be playing festive tunes. At 2.00pm a road closure will be in place until 7.00pm, and Guerilla PA & Event Hire will move in a stage which will be situated just outside Savers, this is where the all important Christmas Lights Countdown will be announced. Singer Paul Skerritt returns to perform at 5.45pm and we have special guest Adam Collard from Love Island and Ashington Business owner switching on the lights at 6.00pm.
Many local shops will extend their hours for the event, allowing visitors to enjoy some festive shopping. In the weeks following the switch-on, residents and visitors can participate in the popular Christmas Trail, featuring over 20 shops across Station Road, Woodhorn Road, Lintonville Terrace, and North Seaton Road. Additionally, local businesses will compete in a Christmas Window Display competition, adding to the town’s festive atmosphere.
The local shops that are extending their hours are:
The Ashington Christmas Light Switch-On event is free to attend and open to all. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to make the most of all the activities on offer and to secure a good viewing spot for the parade and light switch-on.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact: Sharon Parmely, Communication and Engagement Officer for Ashington Town Council 01670 624520 or email admin@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk
