HEROES from the emergency services will take centre stage for the return of Rugby’s Christmas lights switch-on event this year.
Representatives from the Police, the NHS and the Fire Service have been nominated by their respective services to turn on the town’s festive decorations on Sunday November 21.
Event organisers Rugby First and Rugby Borough Council said it would be a fitting way of thanking and recognising the dedication and commitment of the services over a ‘difficult and challenging’ 18 months.
Around 8,000 people are expected to attend the event, which was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
It will also feature a full programme of live music, a funfair, a Ferris wheel, children’s entertainment, face painting, circus skills, street food, stalls, and a firework display.
Activities will take place across the town centre in North Street, Church Street, Market Place, Regent Street, Henry Street, Albert Street, and Bank Street.
Children are encouraged to make a lantern and bring it along on the day for the chance to win a prize.
Rugby First Operations Director Jo Kemp said: “We are delighted to welcome back the Rugby Town Centre Christmas light switch-on in what has been a very difficult 18 months for everyone, including local businesses.
“The idea to have the emergency services switch-on the lights along with a community-based music programme seemed an obvious way to say thanks and reflect while at the same time bringing together communities into the town centre.
“The annual event is always very well-attended and generates significant footfall and trade for town centre businesses. We look forward to welcoming visitors and hope you will support the businesses on the day but also in the lead-up to Christmas.”
The Christmas lights switch-on event take place between 12pm and 5.30pm on Sunday November 21. A funfair will also be in North Street car park on Saturday November 20 from 12pm to 8pm.
Visit www.rugbyfirst.org for the latest information and further updates on the Christmas lights switch-on.
