Stamford Christmas lights switched on at event in Red Lion Square
Hundreds of people gathered to see Stamford sparkle at the Christmas lights switch-on.
The event, held in Red Lion Square last night (Thursday), drew in the biggest crowds seen at the switch-on since 2019.
Town crier Andrew Browning rang his bell to announce the occasion to all, and this was followed by words from the poet Darren Rawnsley.
Proud parents gathered to watch performances from St Gilbert’s School pupils and Malcolm Sargent Primary School’s choir, who sang Christmas classics and more modern numbers.
Ukrainian family Svitlana, Oleksii, Elon and Erik Klitovchenko were asked push the plunger at last year’s event but after a hiccup with the lighting they were unable to do the honours.
The family, whose children attend St Gilbert’s Schools, were invited back again this year, and there was no technical issue this time around.
After a countdown from Rutland and Stamford Sound radio host Rob Persani, the town was illuminated.
Speaking after the switch on, Rob said: “It is not Christmas without the crowds of people in Red Lion Square.”
Mayor of Stamford Andy Croft, who donned both his chains of office and a string of tinsel, was among those who had called for the event to be moved back to Red Lion Square after it was held in the High Street last year, and had been a scaled-down affair during the pandemic.
“It is great to be back in the square,” he said. “A lot more people have been able to enjoy it.”
Many businesses remained open for late-night shopping and the Wansford Ukulele Folk performed.
On Sunday (November 26) from 10am to 5pm, more than 100 traders are expected to line High Street, Ironmonger Street and Broad Street with craft and food stalls.
Bourne’s Christmas fair is on Saturday, December 2, from 11am with the town’s lights being switched on at 5pm.
Oakham’s lights will be switched on when it gets dark on Sunday, December 3, while Uppingham has late-night shopping and its lights switch-on from 5.30pm on Thursday, December 7.