Christmas in Whitchurch 2017

Save the date! Christmas is on its way to Whitchurch – starting with the big Switch On

Christmas in Whitchurch is always a magical affair and this year will be no exception as the traditional Christmas Light Switch On takes place this November.

The annual event draws thousands of people to the village to see the lights being turned on and to enjoy the festive fun.

This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet. Proceedings get underway at 6pm on Sunday 19th November with the Lantern Parade, starting at the library and making its way down to the village, which will add a real festive flavour to the evening.

The Christmas Market will be brimming with everything from hand-made gifts to hot food and there will be late night shopping at the local shops too if you fancy getting yourself some Christmas gifts.

Santa will also be hoping to make it to the event this year where he will be meeting villagers and handing out gifts.

Organiser Tom Champ has been working hard throughout the year to make sure that the event is a memorable one.

“Thousands turned out for last year’s event to see the new lights, including the 9ft Fairybell light at Park Road roundabout,” said Tom. “We had a massive £10,000 target in order to deliver on the night but the event was only made possible by some very generous sponsors who will also be helping us out this year – Orbis (Ty Coryton), Jenkins Suzuki, the Village Hotel, Whitchurch Builder Supplies, Pugh’s Garden Centre and Marc Palmer to name some of the major ones.

“The entire event is run entirely by volunteers for local business and the community. It’s a not-for-profit event that gives local traders a chance to market their businesses to people far and wide.

“We are making the Christmas season in Whitchurch a long one and hope to make the village a place to visit.”

One resident told Whitchurch and Llandaff Living magazine:

“The lights at Whitchurch have always made the place feel special. Whether it’s during the hustle and bustle of a Saturday morning or whether it’s driving through the quiet village late at night – the lights are there to welcome you and remind you that the festive season is here. We need to be grateful to all who make the village look so fantastic during the Christmas period. It makes me very proud to live here and my friends often get jealous that we have our own Christmas lights.”

In addition to the Christmas stalls, there will also be fairground rides to keep the children entertained.

The big Switch On takes place at 7pm and the event officially finishes at midnight. Road closures will take place throughout Whitchurch.

You can keep up to date with all the latest news of the event on Facebook at ‘Christmas at Whitchurch’. You can also follow the official Twitter page at @xmaswhitchurch