THE COUNTDOWN to Christmas in Bromsgrove will gather pace next weekend when the festive markets return to the High Street and the annual lights switch-on takes place.
Craft stalls from local producers and charities will occupy the event space outside the Slug and Lettuce from 9am to 4pm on the Friday and between 9am and 6pm on the Saturday, December 18 and 19.
Market stalls will include local businesses, many returning from previous years, including Fruitfields Apple Juice and Honey, Dragonfly Gifts, St John’s Fund-raisers, Panache Gifts, Charming Creations, The Denim Upcycler, Chadsgrove’s Poppy Emporium, St Basil’s Crafters, Lucent Scents and many more. There will be food and refreshments available from The Bromsgrove Pizza Company, burgers and candy floss and Betty’s Waffles.
The lead up to Christmas starts in the High Street on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th November with the Bromsgrove Christmas Markets.
The Christmas Markets are organised by Friends of St John’s and held in conjunction with the Christmas Light Switch on which will take place at 5pm on the Saturday.
Prior to the big countdown – between 1pm and 5pm at the Birdbox – will be food, music and live entertainment with performances in the High Street, including the Wish Fairies, stilt walking with the Ice people, light walkers and juggling Steve Kaos.
Music at the birdbox will include the Rock Choir, Sounds of Steel Drums and Vintage Class Singers, and panto characters from 12pm and will be broadcast live by BRMG Radio.
Blackwell Concert Band will also be performing on the High Street. Food and drink on offer will include family favourites such as Pizza, Waffles, Candyfloss, hot drinks and more, as well as alcoholic beverages from Woodcote Brewery and Bayley’s of Bromsgrove.
This event has kindly been supported by The Bromsgrove Indie Club, BRMG Radio, Primrose Hospice and Friends of St John’s.
The Primrose Hospice Lights of Love Tree will also be switched on outside Asda at 6pm.
Jo Slade, from the Friends of St John’s, said: “We are looking forward to kicking the festive season off in Bromsgrove with the Christmas Markets.
“All stall holders are local and talented, so it’ll be a great opportunity to buy locally made gifts and treats.
“We have a full day of entertainment on Saturday with buskers Billy Smith and Max Stockin, the Rock Choir, Sounds of Steel Drums and Vintage Class Singers will be with us for the Light Switch On at 5pm.
“Do come along and enjoy the atmosphere.”
Coun Michael Thompson, Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “The switch-on events have always been incredibly popular and are the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
“They are guaranteed to be fun, family-friendly events to welcome the start of the festive season.”
Rubery’s Christmas lights switch-on will take place a week later – on Saturday, November 26.
We will bring you more on that event very soon.
Check out facebook.com/FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove for the latest updates.
