THE FESTIVE season in Reading is officially underway, now that the Christmas lights have been switched on.
On Saturday, crowds flocked to Broad Street to watch stars from this year’s Hexagon panto, Sleeping Beauty, press the switch to illuminate the 400,000 bulbs that have been installed across the town centre.
Dame Nanny Bubbles and Prince Cloud Ryder – aka Paul Morse and Carl Tracey – posed for fans, and our cameras, as dusk fell. They met stallholders of the Christmas market, and had plenty of festive fun before carrying out their all-important duty and officially starting the countdown to December 25.
Paul said: “We had a great time on Saturday and as always Reading came out in fine voice to support and have a good time. I think we really got Christmas off to a cracking start.”
It was part of a day of fun in the town centre, thanks to live music performances, and the official opening of the festive huts selling seasonal refreshments, personalised gifts and lots of sweets.
Alexa Volker, Reading BID Manager, was thrilled with how the event had gone.
“Saturday’s Christmas light switch on was a triumph,” she said.
“We were so pleased with the huge crowds that attended and would like to thank the amazing Sleeping Beauty pantomime characters Nanny Bubbles and the Prince for helping us on the day.
“Each year we try to improve the event and add more spectacle and they certainly helped us with that.
“With Christmas now officially started we look forward to all the other events we have planned this festive season.”
Reading will continue to sparkle over the coming days, as preparations are made for a lantern parade on Saturday, December 2.
Last year’s inaugural event attracted more than 1,500 people, and organisers are hoping this year’s will be bigger and better.
The theme is glow, and will start from outside Broad St. Mall, go down Broad Street and finish in Forbury Gardens where a festive light show and sing-a-long is planned.
Jelly and Beautiful Creatures are organising a series of workshops where participants can create willow and paper candle lanterns that can be used in the parade. On Saturday, November 25, they include a session at Broad St. Mall during opening hours, and from 1pm to 3pm at Whitley Wood Community Centre.
Hexham Road Community Centre will host a session on Tuesday, November 28, and Southcote Hub on Friday, December 1, both after school.
Alexa said: “The Lantern Parade will be a highlight of Reading’s Christmas programme, made special by having so many young people involved. Come and join in a lantern- making workshop and bring a glow to Reading town centre this Christmas.”
On Sunday, December 3, Reading Spring Gardens Brass Band will perform from 2pm to 3.30pm outside John Lewis.
Other special events across the month include Calypso and Carols by RASPO at Broad Street Mall, Christmas Characters on Broad Street, Seasonal Singing with the Family Choir Club and delightful stories shared by Mrs Christmas and the Reading Children’s Book Group.
And Father Christmas will be making an appearance on Christmas Eve – children are invited to look out for him in the town centre between noon and 2pm.
Places on the lantern making sessions should be booked at: www.readinglanternparade.co.uk
For details of Reading Lantern Parade and other Christmas events in Reading, www.visit-reading.com/Christmas
