Bideford's Christmas light switch-on to bring festive fun for all

Bideford’s annual Christmas Light Switch-On is just around the corner, set to light up the town on Sunday, December 1, from 12pm to 7pm. 

This year’s event promises to be filled with a variety of exciting activities for all ages, making it a festive highlight for locals and visitors alike.

The Quay will be bustling with funfair rides, including the Terminator and the funhouse, along with a range of fairground food traders. 

Jubilee Square will feature local food producers and craft stalls, with favourites like the Fizzy Pheasant serving festival cocktails, North Devon Hog Roast, Candy’s Cuisine, and Wilson’s Kitchen offering delicious treats.

At 5pm, the lights will be switched on by a fundraiser from the Tony Hudgell Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, particularly those affected by physical disabilities.

Attendees can learn more about the foundation's work at the event.

The event will also showcase performances by the Bideford Town Band and the Bideford Youth Pipe Band, with the Youth Pipe Band leading the festive Lantern Parade. 

The Parade begins at 5:30pm, starting from Jubilee Square, winding its way along the Quay, up the High Street, along Mill Street, down Bridgeland Street, and back to Jubilee Square. Everyone is encouraged to join in, and dressing up for the parade is highly encouraged!

Santa Claus will be making a special appearance throughout the event, so keep an eye out for him around town. 

Circus workshops, stilt walkers, and other special guests will also be making their way around the Quay and Mill Street, ensuring there’s something for all ages to enjoy.

Event Highlights:

• 12-2pm: Quiet opening for those with sensory sensitivities, allowing everyone to enjoy the fairground rides with minimal noise.
• 2pm: Live music performance by Oliver Wattley.
• 2-5pm: Circus workshops, stilt walkers, and buskers on Mill Street.
• 3:10pm: Performance by Sarah Ann Westcott Dance School.
• 3:30pm: Stagecoach Performing Arts performance.
• 4pm: Westcroft School Choir.
• 4:30pm: Louisa Hockins School of Performing Arts.
• 5pm: Official light switch-on.
• 5-5:30pm: Performance by Bideford Town Band.
• 5:30pm: Lantern Parade.
• 5:35pm: St Mary’s School Choir.
• 6pm: Live music from Beckon the Wyrd and a fire show.
• 7pm: Event closes.

Shops on Mill Street will also be joining the festivities, with many taking part in the ‘Bideford by Candlelight’ initiative. 

Local traders will decorate their windows with electric candles, creating a magical atmosphere for the event. 

For more information or to get involved, contact Jolene Burgess at joleneszwer@yahoo.co.uk.