THE CROWDS certainly turned out for Kidderminster’s annual Christmas lights switch-on.
The countdown and illumination itself took place at 6pm on Saturday and was done by youngster Maddie Horton. She joined the Mayor of Coun Doug Hine, Father Christmas, the Town Crier Peter Day. Proceedings were hosted by Malcolm Boyden from BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Picture by Miriam and Suni Cunliffe of Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
Maddie told the Standard: “It was great fun and I was very excited beforehand.”
Mike Poultney, her stepdad, added: “We were very proud of her – it all came as a great surprise.
“She couldn’t wait to push the button.”
Picture by Miriam and Suni Cunliffe of Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
Coun Hine said: “Everybody seemed to enjoy the day and it was great to have been part of it.
“The crowds certainly came down for the event and we were fortunate with the weather after Storm Claudia over the past couple of days.
“The season of joy has officially started and I would like to wish everyone in Kidderminster a very happy Christmas.”
The extravaganza was organised by Kidderminster BID, in conjunction with the town council.
Picture by Miriam and Suni Cunliffe of Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
Headlining the entertainment was East 17 who performed a number of their hits, including their Christmas number one ‘Stay Another Day’.
Also performing were RetsecroWs, Shanty Crew, Russell Jones JNR, DJ Virxn, the Got2Sing Choir, J’s Dance Factory, Triple Threat and Chaos Magic.
Picture by Gracie Whitehouse. s
And there were fairground rides and amusements, a calm space, arts and crafts and a host of festive market stalls.
Entertainment took place outside the newly revamped Town Hall and down the other end of town outside the Swan Shopping Centre.
Picture by Miriam and Suni Cunliffe of Miriam Cunliffe Photography. s
And, at 8pm, there was a Christmas fireworks display for everyone to enjoy.
Picture by Drone Media. s
Afterwards, Kidderminster BID said: “We hope you all had an amazing time at this year’s Christmas Light Switch-On.
“We honestly couldn’t ask for any more from our community, the support was incredible from start to finish.
“It was a brilliant event with an unbelievable turn-out, arguably the biggest we’ve ever seen in Kidderminster.
Picture by Drone Media. s
“It was so good to see families, friends and visitors filling the town and enjoying the day together.
“East 17 were fantastic, RetsecroWs were brilliant, and every single act brought something special.
Picture by Drone Media. s
“A huge thank you to all the performers, everyone working behind the scenes, Kidderminster Town Councill for our amazing partnership.
“We also want to thank Wyre Forest District Council and Load Street Studios for their support.
Picture by Drone Media. s
“And a special mention to the Museum of Carpet, along with Little Mess Kidderminster and Stourport for creating such a lovely calm space with their activities, as well as Arts etc.
“Thank you to Drone Media for the Aerial photos.”
