BROMSGROVE’S Christmas lights switch-on was back in dramatic fashion with a ‘stunning’ laser show which wowed the crowds.
It came after last year’s event had to be cancelled due to Storm Bert bringing high winds.
Then, it was announced this year’s event may not go ahead because of safety concerns, due to its increase in popularity and the rising number of people attending each year.
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
But Bromsgrove District Council reneged and vowed to put on a Christmas lights switch-on, along with a countdown. And, today, the event returned to much acclaim from those who went along.
As well as the usual festive displays above the High Street, Christmas Market and day of entertainment, there was also a colourful laser show which filled the sky with beams of light.
The council wanted to prevent a ‘bottleneck’ where crowds would converge, as one big stage had caused in previous years. Instead, it decided to put on the laser show so everyone on the High Street could see the spectacle from wherever they were. It actually exceeded expectations in that regard with people reporting seeing the sky lit up from Lidl on Bromsgrove Retail Park.
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
And those who attended were quick to praise the new-look light switch-on.
On our Facebook page, Amanda Britten wrote: “The lasers were amazing! It was great to see the high street busy and the businesses seemed to be doing well.”
Sarah Bailey added: “Made the sky look pretty cool from over by Lidl.”
Bernadette Clews-Brazier wrote: ‘Well done – it was lovely’ and Helen Healy said: “It was good to see it go ahead, and a nice change. Well done all.”
Michelle Holsey-Sheppard, co-owner of Butcher’s Block, said: “What a day. Well done Bromsgrove District Council.”
Others described it as ‘stunning’ and said they ‘loved it’.
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
Bromsgrove District Council leader, Coun Karen May, was also delighted with how it went.
She told the Standard: “What a fantastic response from the public – it has been a wonderful evening and the laser show has been brilliant.”
“We wanted to do something totally different that was not seen in other towns and would draw everyone in – right across the age spectrum – and I think we have achieved that.
“It was so atmospheric when you looked up – I heard a little boy earlier say ‘look daddy -look at all the colours’ and it is great and the laser lights could be seen from some distance away.”
Picture by Geoff Hawkesworth. s
The crowds braved a dreary day with rain up until around 4.30pm – it then went dry for the countdown and switch-on.
The Christmas Market opened on Friday to kickstart the festivities and the Christmas lights switch-on day also featured a variety of entertainment. These included performances from local choirs, panto stars, Stourport Brass Band and wandering street entertainers.
It culminated in the laser show which really did – from the comments so far – wow the crowds.
- WHAT did you think of the new-look Bromsgrove Christmas lights switch-on and laser show? Email your views to: [email protected]
