THE Hexham Christmas lights are set to be switched on this Friday, November 24 and promises to be a magical night for all.

The night will feature the traditional lights switch-on by Santa; festive brass band music; mulled wine in the marketplace; late-night shopping; and the launch of a Magical Music Trail around Hexham’s shops. Visitors will also be able to enjoy carols at Hexham Abbey.

Here are the details...

When and Where is it on?

The build-up for Christmas Lights starts at 4.30 pm with Hexham Middle School playing carols at the bandstand. A kids’ Christmas disco will take over from 5pm until Santa and Hexham’s Mayor, Derek Kennedy, arrive to switch on the lights in the park at 5.40pm. There will then be a parade from the park to the Abbey Flags.  

 Following the switch-on, Prudhoe Community Band will perform Christmas songs under the Shambles at 6pm on the marketplace whilst staff from Buongiorno restaurant offer mulled wine and the Abbey will be open for carols and hot chocolate. 

How much does it cost?

The event - which will consist of a 'packed family entertainment programme, to suit all ages' - is free!

Who has organised the event?

The event is run by Hexham Town Council and Hexham Community Partnership, with funding support from the North of Tyne Combined Authority.

What happens after the light switch-on?

Over 40 businesses will be open after the Christmas lights switch-on for Christmas shopping, food , and drinks.

There will also be special discounts and treats such as glasses of fizz and mince pies on offer. 

Additionally, there is Hexham’s Magical Music Trail which launches at the Christmas Lights event and runs until December 18. 

Three ‘mega hampers’ can be won this year. All 71 businesses involved have contributed a prize, so each hamper will be worth hundreds of pounds. It’s free to take part and guides will be available from Ralph & Mimi on Hexham marketplace from Nov 24.

Where can I park?

Those wishing to attend the event can park in Wentworth, Alemouth Road and other car parks in Hexham.

What's the weather going to be like?

The Met Office predicts that the weather will be cold and it may rain -so take a coat, and an umbrella and wrap up warm.

 

Speaking about the night, Town and County Councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken who led the project and said, “We all need some festive sparkle in our lives and the town will look even more beautiful once the lights are switched on.”

Jez Light, Operations Manager for Hexham Community Partnership, adds “This is a very popular event, so there will be a road closure in place on Beaumont Street and the marketplace between 5.30pm and 6.30pm and we would strongly advise drivers to keep this in mind on Friday”.
Shannon Currah, manager of Saks, said, “We’re taking part in the Magical Music Trail and the late-night opening. The Christmas Lights event is a great opportunity for people to see everything we have to offer and get a head start on Christmas presents - we will be offering special discounts. Here’s to shopping local & supporting our town!”