Countdown under way to Barnstaple’s Christmas Lights Switch On

The big Barnstaple Christmas Lights Switch On is taking place this Thursday, November 30 with a host of events dotted around the town centre plus the big countdown at the Square.

The Square events kick off at 5pm and fundraising heroine Jade Kingdom will carry out the switch on this year at 6pm.

Jade has raised tens of thousands of pounds for North Devon Hospice by completing a series of triathlons and other endurance events – she lives with Down Syndrome but this has not slowed her in the slightest!

The start of the town’s Christmas is organised by Barnstaple Town Council and Barnstaple Town Centre Management, with plenty of events taking place at several locations plus late night shopping.

The Square festivities will be compered by The Voice FM, joined by Stagecoach Performing Arts, Newport School Choir, Barnstaple Male Voice Choir and the stars of this year’s Queen’s Theatre pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, plus tunes from DJ bunnynotbonnie.

There is free parking in the town from 4pm and events elsewhere include the Pannier Market, which will have Christmas and food stalls as well as a live band.

The Guildhall will feature a Santa’s Grotto plus entertainment and fun with Magical Eventures.

Visitors are invited to board the Christmas Train in Cross Street for a tour of the town centre lights, plus there will be festive crafts and an Elf Workshop at Queen Anne’s Café on The Strand.

The Strand will also include Christmas and food stalls, charity craft stalls and a bouncy castle among other activities.

Find out more about Barnstaple’s Christmas events HERE.