CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2009
The stars came out and the rain kept away for the Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Christmas Lights Switch-On on Saturday 28th November.
Our MC for the day Richard Allman did a fantastic job, keeping the crowds entertained throughout the afternoon, even hosting Bletchley’s very own ‘X-mas Factor’ for adults and children alike – have you ever heard so many versions of Jingle Bells in such short time?
The entertainment started from 1.30pm with a mixture of dancing, singing and musical interludes. Thank you to the many organisations that gave their time to entertain in the cold throughout the afternoon. The enthusiasm and passion of the New Faith Dimensions Church at the bandstand, the traditional sounds of Christmas from the Bradwell Silver Band and Vocalis choristers plus the students from Leon School with their dance routine.
From 4pm the crowds began to gather for the afternoon’s highlights - the switch-on of the Christmas lights and the start of the Lantern Parade. It all seemed to happen so quickly. Santa arrived to rapturous applause and squeals of delights from the many excited and enthusiastic children. The Lantern Train appeared as if on queue followed by close to 200 lantern holders from local schools and community groups.
This year no less than three celebrities switched on the lights. Santa was joined on-stage by two stars from Milton Keynes Theatre’s pantomime Cinderella – oh yes he was - with Prince Charming (Anthony Kavanagh) and Cinderella herself (top vocalist Louise Dearman) teaming up to push the plunger to light the tree and the town centre decorations this year. The crowd joined in with the count down followed by cheers of joy and delight as Bletchley became beautifully illuminated.
Exit stage right our celebrities and all attention switched to the Lantern Parade with crowds along the length of Queensway. This year’s centrepiece was a train with a steam engine and carriages – a reminder of Bletchley’s strong rail heritage – which made its way down Queensway, taking in Aylesbury Street beneath the new Fenny Stratford lights for 2009 and finishing at Knowles School. The Lantern Parade is assisted financially with a grant from Bletchley and Fenny Stratford Council to support the various workshops at local schools and community groups in creating the lanterns. Thanks to Festive Road for all the hard work and energy that they put into organising this part of the celebrations.
This event requires an awful lot of preparation and commitment to ensure that all runs smoothly on the day. Thanks must go to so many groups and individuals who helped on the day, so many that we could not name them all but we must mention the help and support of Tescos who provided tea loving event marshals and prizes and Sainsbury’s for their donation of mince pies. It was a delight to see local businesses joining in with mince pies and mulled wine distributed by Santa’s helpers at Ramsbothams Florists. Thank you also to Dorothy Perkins for their financial donation to this event.
This event is just one organised by the Council’s Entertainment Committee including Midsummer Madness and the Bandstand. If you have any ideas for future events, please contact the chair of the Entertainment committee Angela Kennedy c/o Bletchley & Fenny Stratford Town Council.