Aldeburgh Christmas Lights
TV Presenter and Comedian Lenny Henry CBE will add a touch humour to the 2012 Christmas Lights Celebration in a full day of celebrations starting at 10am in the seaside town of Aldeburgh on Saturday 24th November. The evening will be rounded off with a lantern procession arriving at 6pm for the firework display on Aldeburgh beach, in front of the Brudenell Hotel.
Aldeburgh Business Association will be creating a winter wonderland with over 150 lit Christmas trees dotted around the town. The celebrations are taking place on the high street and at a variety of locations in the town from 10am, with a series of masterclasses in Aldeburgh High Street, where shops and businesses will host festive-themed events including wine tasting, butchery, floristry, the art of present wrapping, Christmas baking, jive dancing and much more.
The afternoon will feature performances from local musicians Abbigail Harrison, Craig Cameron and Bass Line, as well as brass bands and the Aldeburgh choir. There will be stalls with mulled wine and cider, mince pies and Christmas fare, along with street food including Munchies Barbecue and Paella, Eliza and Oh's Thai Kitchen, a Hog Roast, and the White Lion's festive baps and roasted chestnuts.
Father Christmas will arrive in a horse drawn carriage at his grotto, and family fun and activities will include children's rides, traditional games, face painting, pony and trap rides, as well as street entertainers, dancers and performers. The Youth Bus will also be based in the High Street, where Aldeburgh Book Shop will also launch the final volume of Benjamin Britten letters.
The event will be the start of the award winning “Where's Rudolph†competition, giving families the opportunity to win £500 vouchers donated by East of England Co-Op. In addition Munchies are giving a prize of a Bumper Christmas Hamper designed for four to enjoy on Boxing Day which is exclusively for competition entrants in the town of Aldeburgh.
Lenny Henry will be assisted in switching on the lights by the winner of the Aldeburgh Primary School Christmas poster competition at 2pm and Santa will arrive at 3pm with gifts for the children.
Rob Mabey, Vice-Chairman of the Aldeburgh Business Association said: "This years event will be much bigger than previous years, with plenty of activities to keep families interest throughout the day, right through from independent shop 'masterclasses' in the morning to the Fireworks in the evening. We are looking forward to Lenny Henry bring some fun and celebrity to the event and encourage everyone to come along for a great day out."
