Sisters excited to switch on Oakham's Christmas lights
Two sisters will have the honour of switching on the Christmas lights in Oakham town centre this weekend.
Oakham Town Council called on the public to nominate someone who they felt deserved the chance to launch the festivities on Sunday.
Councillors chose Jennifer and Frances Pitcher who have faced a tough time since losing their mum Ceri Gale to cancer in September. They were nominated by their aunt Rachel Gale who said: “The girls have been really strong and are doing well but I wanted to give them something nice to look forward to.”
Jennifer, 10, and five-year-old Frances live in Langham with their dad Dan.
Rachel added: “They are really excited and I can’t wait to be there with them on the day. I’m sure they will love the attention.”
Town councillor Sally-Anne Wadsworth coordinated this year’s festivities.
She said: “We felt passionately about what the girls are going through and wanted to make Christmas a bit special for them.”
The festivities start on Sunday, December 2 with stalls in Market Place from 2pm and carol singing at 3pm. The lights on the town’s new cone shaped tree will be switched on at 4pm.
The council has entered a three-year contract with a new company to provide this year’s decorations following criticism over previous displays.
Mrs Wadsworth said the new-look tree has been well-received by the public so far with the majority of people saying they like it.
Oakham’s late-night shopping event is on Monday, December 10.
