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‘12 Days Of Christmas Parade’ Switches On Gloucester’s Festive Lights in Traditional Style
‘12 Days Of Christmas Parade’ Switches On Gloucester’s Festive Lights in Traditional Style
10th November 2010
Gloucester turns its Christmas lights on in style later this month with a unique festive procession which will make its way to the city’s magnificent Cathedral.
The parade, which will take place on Sunday 21st November, is based around the classic Christmas song ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, and will feature 12 large scale, illuminated creations which have been designed and built by local schoolchildren working with professional artists.
The children will process their creations through Gloucester’s main shopping streets led by the one and only Father Christmas and bands and choirs, with the city's festive lights being switched on as the parade passes underneath.
For the first time ever, the whole party will make its way right inside Gloucester Cathedral, with the audience invited in to join the Cathedral Youth Choir in singing a selection of favourite carols.
Event manager Mhairi Smith of Marketing Gloucester Ltd, the company organising the parade on behalf of Gloucester City Council, said: “We’re really excited to be switching our city’s lights on in such a unique way. The children have been working on fantastic creations with a group of very talented local artists, and their hard work will be there for all to see at the switch-on event.”
Speaking from Gloucester Cathedral, Canon Nikki Arthy said: ‘It is an exciting part of my job to link the Cathedral with the city in new ways. We look forward to welcoming the procession into the Cathedral as we prepare to celebrate the Christmas season.’
Paul James, Leader of Gloucester City Council added: “Gloucester has always been a great Christmas city, and this year’s switch-on sets us apart from events in other towns and cities and will truly celebrate the community spirit of the festive season.”
The 12 Days of Christmas Parade begins at 4.15pm, starting at the bottom of the pedestrianised area of Eastgate Street (adjacent to Boots), travelling up Eastgate Street, over the Cross, down Westgate Street, right into College Street and finally into the Cathedral.
The lights switch-on will officially launch Christmas in Gloucester. Events taking place include a Victorian Market in Gloucester Docks, festive events and exhibition at the Folk Museum, concerts and services at the Cathedral, pantomime at the Guildhall, indoor and outdoor Christmas markets and lots more. Full details can be found at www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk/christmas
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