Sponsored by
Early start on plans for 2010 festive switch-on
BIRMINGHAM had JLS, Middlesbrough had a celebrity pantomime fairy and even Scarborough had its own festive parade for the turning on of the Christmas lights.
But in Whitby there will be no celebrations at all when the town’s lights are turned on tonight.
Nobody will be gathering around the tree at Dock End to sing carols and there will be no celebrity to do the honours, as no-one has stepped forward to organise an official celebration for the occasion.
Only 40 people braved the Arctic conditions to see town mayor Coun Steve Smith signal the start of last year’s festivities.
He said a lack of interest this year meant nothing has been done.
Instead, the Christmas lights will come on automatically tonight as it gets dark, as will the lights which adorn the Christmas trees dotted around town. The lights on the tree at Dock End will be switched on for 7pm.
In Scarborough earlier this week, thousands lined the streets to watch the Christmas Princess, eight-year-old Aimee Woodhead, take part in a parade in a mini-Rolls-Royce alongside Scarborough mayoress Michelle Chatt and Father Christmas.
The winter wonderland continued with an illuminated train of runners-up in the princess competition, alongside two stilt walkers, the Gaslights Jazz Band and the YMCA pantomime cast.
Now the Whitby Gazette wants your help to make sure next year’s Christmas lights switch-on is one to remember for the town.
Whitby Chamber of Trade and Commere is holding an open meeting on Wednesday 25 November at 7pm at St Hilda’s Business Centre where one of the topics up for discussion will be next year’s switch-on and what can be done to celebrate it.
Anyone who has ideas or would like to help in the planning may also contact chief reporter Alex Fredman on (01947) 829911.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Whitby
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
