LEAMINGTON’S Big Lights Switch On returns on Sunday.
Cancelled due to the pandemic last year, the event will mark the countdown to Christmas and also celebrate Diwali.
The day begins with a yuletide market taking place in the town from 10am, with stalls and food vendors lining the Parade and Warwick Street.
The lights event officially kicks off from 1pm with fun fairground rides for children and a packed programme of entertainment and music on the stage, with the lights being switched on at 5.15pm.
Kirtan – spiritual music – will be performed on the stage at 2.20pm, by Gurdwara Sahib Leamington & Warwick, in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Gurpurab, which celebrates the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith.
And local dance company Thirak will be entertaining visitors on the stage performing Bollywood and Indian folk-dance routines on behalf of the Shri Krishna Temple in Leamington, in celebration of Diwali.
Cast members from the Royal Spa Centre’s panto ‘Aladdin’ will be up on stage just before Santa switches the lights on, with entertainment from Enchanted Tea Rooms closing the event.
The Rotary Tree of Light will once again be illuminated outside the Town Hall, with each light dedicated to the memory of a family member or friend, allowing them to be remembered at Christmas.
Parking will be free all day in all Warwick District Council’s off-street car parks and at the Royal Priors on the day.
Leamington mayor Susan Rasmussen said: “I’m so pleased that this year we are able to join together in person and have a real Leamington celebration to mark the start of the festive season.”
Current public health guidance will apply and people attending are urged to ‘lateral flow before you go’ and to not attend if they have any symptoms of Covid-19.
