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The official Christmas lights switch-on takes place on Thursday 18th November at 7pm and will be carried out by the jolly red-suited chap himself – after he completes a special sleigh ride through the town centre to the sounds of choral singing.
As the lights switch on, and with music playing and fire-eaters entertaining the crowds, shoppers can look forward to a beautiful seasonal snowfall to mark the occasion.
The festive fun continues throughout the shopping period, but sees a special climax, branded WOW! (What’s on this Winter?) on Sunday 5th December, when Santa brings his very own grotto to the Cornhill.
From 11am, and for just £3 per child, Santa will be giving out early Christmas gifts and hearing the seasonal wishes and dreams of youngsters from across the region.
Surrounding Santa’s special grotto will be real reindeer, as well as entertainment from the impressive group Suffolk Soul Singers, and from a 60-strong choir from Stagecoach.
Given the season of goodwill, organisers have been keen to incorporate charitable support throughout the activity, and a percentage from every Santa visit will go to the NSPCC.
Throughout the festive period, Ipswich Central will also be offering shoppers plenty of discounts and special treats through its Ipswich Central Plus Scheme.
Paul Clement, executive director of Ipswich Central, said: “The line-up we have created for Christmas 2010 in Ipswich really is very diverse and promises an enormous amount of entertainment for shoppers. Every week is going to bring another excitement and more opportunities to win prizes, all against a great backdrop of music and colour.”
Shoppers are being encouraged to enjoy the festivities in the most stress-free way possible, by using Park and Ride wherever possible (late night services on Thursdays) or by parking for just £1 in Foundation Street Car Park on Sundays.
FULL DATES FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON ARE:
Evening Star Christmas Tree Erected Monday 15th November
Lights Switch On Thursday 18th
St Peter’s Street Fayre Sunday 21st
Christmas Fayre at UCS Saturday 27th
St Mary Le Tower Christmas Tree Festival Thursday 2nd to Tuesday 7th December
Geraud Christmas Market Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th
Wow Activity with Grotto Sunday 5th
Geraud Late Night Market Thursday 9th
Geraud Late Night Market Thursday 16th
Daily Geraud Market Monday 13th to Friday 24th
