Date set for West Orchards Christmas lights switch-on

[dutchman]

West Orchards Shopping Centre in Coventry is turning on its Christmas lights on Wednesday, November 25.



The festive fun includes a sci-fi-inspired laser light show - and coincides with the city’s main lights switch-on the same evening .

The fun starts at 4.30pm with Free Radio’s JD and Roisin hosting games and giveaways, including cinema tickets and a Star Wars toy bundle.

There will be famous sci-fi characters to track down and take selfies with, as well as a space scene where shoppers can strike a pose and get a free photo print.

A special guest will also be arriving at West Orchards for the first time as Father Christmas sets up his grotto, which will be open until Christmas Eve.

The lights will be switched on at 6pm and visitors will be able to help raise money for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice with glowsticks available for a suggested donation of £1.

West Orchards centre manager Andy Talbot said: “We have some amazing and spectacular plans for this year’s light switch-on - it’s something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time now.

“We are also happy to open our grotto, which is once again free, we won’t try to sell you anything.

“It’s our way to say thank you to our hard-working customers who visit our centre throughout the year. The countdown to Christmas has now truly begun!”

The fun-packed evening will run alongside the main Christmas lights switch-on in the city centre which will see thousands gather in Broadgate from 5pm.

Entertainment on the stage will include Freeman Dance School, ska band Ruder Than U and pop star Conor Maynard, who is dubbed the ‘British Justin Bieber’.

Children’s favourite The Gruffalo will also greet kids alongside Santa Claus, before the main event of big lights switch-on at.

[dutchman]

Record numbers for Coventry’s annual Christmas lights switch on



THIS year’s Christmas lights switch on has been deemed a success by organisers with an estimated record of 10,000 people joining in the festivities in the city centre on Wednesday.

British music sensation Conor Maynard, famous for his hit songs ‘R U Crazy’ and ‘Turn Around’, headlined this year’s popular event in Broadgate, which was hosted by Free Radio presenters JD and Roisin, and he was joined by plenty of special guests.

X Factor contestant Ben Clark also performed and Coventry talent was also well represented with ska band Ruder Than U, dance group Freeman Dance and the Local Vocals children’s choir, all entertaining the crowds.

A host of activities took place with local sports teams Coventry City, Coventry Blaze, Coventry Rugby Club and Wasps all playing their part.

“The city’s Lights Switch On event is very important to the city centre, it gives a vibrant feeling to the area as well as giving visitors and local people the chance to see some fantastic entertainment for free,” said Neal Ashby, from the Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), who organised the event alongside Coventry City Council.

“The businesses work hard to prepare for Christmas and the switch on really is an important time of the year for them as this night also marks the first Christmas late night shopping.

“Our initial feedback is that the event was record breaking in terms of attendees and started off a really busy period for the retailers with the Christmas Market also starting on the 2 December in Broadgate.”

The annual switch on is a highlight in the city’s event calendar and brings a big benefit to city centre traders.

Key shopping destinations West Orchards Shopping Centre and the Lower Precinct also played their part in the feel-good factor by switching their centre lights on.

“Christmas is clearly a key trading period in the year and we want to help where we can to encourage people into the city centre to shop and enjoy their time here as well,” said Councillor Kevin Maton, Cabinet Member for Business, Enterprise and Employment.

“Events like this are key in helping attract people to the city centre and to stay longer when they do visit.

“By linking with the Coventry BID on events such as this, we can show the benefits of not only putting on a great Christmas event for all the family to enjoy, but it helps the city commercially.”

[dutchman]

Woman arrested during Christmas lights switch-on event handed caution



A woman whose arrest sparked child abduction rumours has been handed a formal police caution for theft.

The 23-year-old was arrested on November 25, during the Christmas lights switch-on event in Broadgate on suspicion of shoplifting and assaulting a police officer.

Because she had a child in a pushchair with her it was rumoured online that the incident was something to do with child abduction, but police confirmed that wasn’t the case.

The 23-year-old, who was kept in custody overnight, was eventually handed a caution.