Father Christmas will be taking time out of his busy schedule to make an appearance at the switching-on of Marlborough Christmas Lights on Thursday (November 29).
Santa will be greeting children in his grotto, and will be giving the crowds a wave from the Town Hall balcony just before the lights go on at 7pm.
The countdown to the Christmas lights – funded and organised by the Town Council – will climax with fireworks bursting in the sky as the town’s Citizen of the Year – whose identity is a closely-guarded secret – pushes the plunger that will bathe the town in a glow of festive light.
But the festivities start far earlier. Marlborough Communities Market – celebrating a successful first six months – will start trading from 45 stalls at 3pm.
Cllr Richard Pitts, who is on the Marlborough Communities Market committee told Marlborough News Online: “Our traders have got together to thank the folks of Marlborough for supporting them so much over the last six months, and they have pledged a truly spectacular hamper that is going into a raffle that will be drawn at our last market of the year on December 16th, by our lovely Mayor, Edwina Fogg, at 2 o’clock.
“The Hamper Prize will include a turkey, speciality stuffing and award winning chipolatas, venison burgers and organic vegetables, as well as handmade chocolates, cheeses, stollen and sweet treats.
“On the artisan side you’ll have stocking fillers and presents galore as producers are donating jewellery, woodwork (expect a hand-crafted cheese board from local wood), fabric covered notepad, glasswork, artwork and so much more.
“For a chance of winning this amazing prize, all you have to do is look out for volunteers selling tickets on the night for a £1 each, or pop along to the Transition Stall where they shall be selling tickets as well as handing out our fabulous Bags for Life, that have our Ten Guiding Principles Poster on one side and the logos of our very kind sponsors, Withy King, Brewin Dolphin and David Owen on the other.”
At the same time, the doors of the Town Hall will be thrown open to welcome visitors to We Love Marlborough’s arts market on the ground floor, where local artists and craftspeople will be offering handmade gifts, from Christmas tree and table decorations to jewellery, glassware and paintings.
There’ll also be the chance to buy tasty sausage and mash, or tea, cakes and mulled wine.
And on the first floor Santa will greet children at his magical grotto, while while professional artist James Aldridge will be helping youngsters – and their families – to make Christmas crowns.
For the first time, We Love Marlborough have offered parents the chance to pre-book an appointment with Father Christmas, to avoid lengthly queues for families and children, and the organisers have announced that most early slots (from 3.15pm to 5.30pm) have already been filled.
There will be plenty of action around the town. Marlborough Chamber of Commerce has invited shopkeepers to stay open until 8pm for a Late Night Shopping experience, while Ducklings toyshop will be helping children to write letters to Santa, and take a ride on a bouncy castle, from 3pm. There will also be a charity cake stall outside M & Co.
The High Street’s newest business, estate agents Smiths Gore, are also opening their doors to potential customers tonight.
The company is staging a Christmas lights switch on party and declaring: “Please pop in to warm up and join us for a drink and mince pieces.”
Edward Hall, the man in charge at No 42, announces there is good reason to celebrate. “We have sold or put under offer all the houses on our books,” he says. “On my Christmas list is more instructions.”
“There are buyers wanting to move to Marlborough, and the surrounding villages, but there is a shortage of houses to see”.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Phoenix Brass Band, and by the Marlborough Community Choir, who will be performing on the steps of the Town Hall from 7pm to 7.15pm. The traditional school s choir compeition takes place in St Mary’s Church from 6pm, and children from the winning school will be helping to turn on the lights.
The Communities Market, Town Hall events and Late Night Shopping all finish at 8pm.
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