THE first of the Dudley borough’s Christmas lights switch-on events brought the crowds into Halesowen at the weekend.
Halesowen BID hosted a day of festivities in the town on Saturday November 16 which saw the Grinch patrolling the streets along with stilt walkers.
There was also a Christmas market, the biggest ever in Halesowen, thanks to Bescot Promotions and lots of musical performances.
Black Country Voices kicked things off followed by performances from Lapal Choir, Smile Productions, Startime Variety, Life Central Church and Bhangra Smash Up.
Then at 5pm the town was lit up by schoolgirl Nancy Day, aged 10 from Huntingtree Primary School, who won a competition run by Halesowen BID.
Nancy was given the honour of pressing the big red button to illuminate the town after writing a letter about the importance of giving and not just at Christmas.
She was joined on stage by Black Country Radio and BBC Radio WM presenters as well as the Mayor of Dudley - Councillor Hilary Bills.
As the lights shone across the town, silent fireworks were launched above the stage and the party continued in Somers Square until 5.45pm when local singer Darcie Edwards closed the event with some showstopping ballads.
Halesowen BID manager Vicky Shakespeare said the event was a great success and she added: “It was wonderful that the community joined us in town to begin their Christmas celebrations.
“Events like this are so important to the town and local traders and I urge everyone to Shop Local and support local business not only at Christmas but all year round.
“We thank everyone who was involved in making the day so special, from performers to stall holders, sound engineers to security and first aid. Extended thanks go to the volunteers that helped out from New Path of Life giving up their own time and getting involved. It was a truly memorable day.”
She said the lights installed by Starkey Electrical were bigger and better than ever this year thanks to a crowdfunding page that raised more than £30k and a generous donation from Life Central Church.
A large advertising screen was also placed in the square to allow people to see the stage performances throughout the town, with local businesses given chance to advertise on the screen at a discounted rate.
Life Central Church and St John’s Church also hosted Christmas fairs on the day to support the event - and as the lights went on the church bells rang out.
Further festive events are now planned in the town to help bring in shoppers in the run-up to Christmas.
Halesowen BID is set to host an eco craft market with Wildearth Movement in the Cornbow Shopping on Saturday December 30; there’ll be a youth market with Halesowen College taking place on Friday December 6 and community carols with 12 local schools from 2pm on Friday December 13.
BID manager Vicky said: “Halesowen BID wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and thank everyone for their support through 2024.”
Dudley and Brierley Hill will host switch-on events this Saturday (November 23) and Stourbridge will switch on its Christmas lights on Saturday November 30.
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