Christmas lights switch on tonight

Tonight’s the night (Friday). It’s the official switch on of Newtown’s Christmas lights as part of the town’s Kicking off Christmas celebrations.

The lights will be switched on at 7pm, but celebrations and entertainment will start at 5pm and continue until 8pm in the town centre.

It is understood there will also be a very special event taking place during the celebrations.

The town council has invested in new lights in the town.

Entertainment will include school choirs, the Newtown Silver Band and others.

The silver band will lead a procession including Father Christmas from the Town Hall gates to Broad Street at 6.40pm.

Light switch on is at 7pm, with Santa, the Mayor, Carnival Queen, and Miss Powys on the balcony at the Bear Lanes shopping centre in Broad Street.

After festive Christmas carols around the tree, ‘Zu Ariel’ will performing on High Street until 8pm.  Local cafes and businesses are staying open to join in with the buzz, for a chance to do some late-night Christmas shopping and to serve you hot drinks and refreshments so a big thanks to them.

To continue the festival, Santa's Grotto will be at Rush Fancy Dress, Severn Street on December 2nd, 9th and 16th from 11am to 2pm (entry £2 per child, present included).

A competition to find Olaf and Disney princesses hiding in local shops, charity stalls in Bear Lanes will also take place, with those who find them being able to claim a bag of sweets.

Tony Rowley will be compering and providing music.