Stafford Christmas Lights Switch-on - Saturday 23rd November

Probably the most spectacular Christmas Light Switch-on Event in Staffordshire with a full day of entertainment and fun for all the family. The day starts at 11.00am with the popular Father Christmas Parade when Santa arrives in town with his real live reindeer and a carnival procession with marching bands, dressed floats, costume characters and much, much more.

Following the parade the activities focus on Market Square where a 40ft stage and big screen are erected. Singing, dancing, competitions and demonstrations take place between 12.30pm and 4.30pm when the excitement starts to build for the big switch-on.

At 5.00pm the Christmas Lights are turned on and this is followed by a spectacular firework display launched from the roof of the Guildhall Shopping Centre. As this is a totally free event, it is extremely popular, so visitors are advised to arrive early (and please leave pushchairs and buggies at home!!)

Featuring in this year’s Father Christmas Parade are:

Apus’ Birds

These fantastical giant birds with their stunning fanned tails entertain and inspire audiences. Accompanied by Major Apus, the jungle explorer, they are a real treat for children and families. Since his honourable discharge from the army Major Apus has been exploring deepest darkest Africa, he specialises in large unusual creatures, showing off his latest find, two giant albino peacocks.

He is quite a big softy and rather than kill and stuff his prizes he shows them off and encourages conservation. He traded his blunder bus for a giant net, he says, "It creates a lot less mess, don't you know, what!". Although he is a seasoned explorer, he did get lost once in Kew Gardens!

The Birds are animated by sound effects reminiscent of a rare species from the tropical rain forest. From a distance, the Birds are impressive and magnificent, and close up, their detail is dazzling.

Hark

With neon halos, silly trumpets, amazing sound effects and accompanied by beautiful ambient music these amazing angels are a sight to behold! Their movement is quite stunning and you can see them glide their way around our parade route – almost as if they are floating on air!