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Jingle All The Way to Newbury’s Christmas Lights Switch On on 16 November

The festive season is upon us, and Newbury is set to dazzle with its biggest Christmas celebration yet!

Newbury BID, the not-for-profit organisation behind Visit Newbury, is thrilled to announce an expanded lineup of festive activities that promise to make this year’s Christmas in Newbury truly magical. 

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s Christmas Lights Switch On Festival, this year’s event on Saturday 16 November promises to be an even grander spectacle.

The town will come alive with a full day of festivities in the run-up to the much-anticipated Christmas Lights Switch On at 6pm, before Newbury Racecourse hosts the official Lights Switch On Afterparty with a live DJ set from Denise Van Outen – tickets for the afterparty, starting from just £7, go on priority sale from Friday 20 September.

A Day of Festive Fun and Local Flair 

The Christmas Artisan Market will kick off the celebrations at 10am, featuring a curated selection of local creators and sellers offering unique and handmade Christmas gifts and treats. Organised in partnership with RenARTgades, this market has become a beloved fixture in Newbury each month thanks to the dynamic local duo Libby and Chloe, who have revitalised this heritage event since taking the reins in June.

“We’re so excited to be bringing this extra festive Artisan Market to Newbury again, featuring the best local bakers, makers, designers, artists, and artisans. We’ve had such an overwhelmingly positive response from both visitors and stallholders about our new-look Artisan market, and we’ve loved seeing the buzz about the town on a market day again! This festive market is going to give you everything you need to shop small and independent this Christmas!”

– Libby Witney, RenARTgades

Music lovers are in for a treat as multiple stages around Newbury will host live performances throughout the day. From Inch’s Yard to the Market Place and the Waterside Centre, the town will be filled with the sounds of the season.

“At Good Vibes Music Academy, we are proud to be organising the musical entertainment for the 2024 Newbury Christmas Lights Switch On event. With what promises already to be an unforgettable event, we are looking forward to playing our part as Newbury’s modern music teaching school by showcasing some of the best local musicians. We will be putting on music throughout the day, including a headline band in the Market Place to keep everybody up, dancing, and singing along to hits from across the decades and Christmas classics.”

– Steve Christmas, CEO and founder of Good Vibes Music Academy

More Festive Highlights

Corn Exchange Newbury will be home to an indoor Christmas Gift Fair between 10am-5pm, adding even more opportunities to shop for festive gifts and treats. Other highlights include a seasonal funfair on Bartholomew Street, and Inch’s Yard will welcome some four-legged friends, with a Christmas farm featuring donkeys and a manger – a sure hit with the little ones.

The regular Saturday Charter Market will, of course, be a proud participant in this year’s Christmas festivities and will be in the Market Place as usual until 3pm. The market features a wide range of produce, gifts, and seasonal treats at this time of year. Be sure to stop by the Charter Market and support the loyal traders who come along every week throughout the year, while enjoying the music on the stage throughout the day.

While exploring the town, visitors should be on the lookout for the infamous Mr. Grinch, who might be spotted causing mischief in the town centre. Brave souls who dare to approach him may find themselves in for a festive surprise!

Amidst the market stalls and entertainment, don’t forget to visit the many businesses throughout Newbury’s historic town centre, who will also be embracing the day’s festivities.

“Newbury’s Lights Switch On is always a highlight of the year, and we’re thrilled to be part of this event once again. As a town rich in community spirit, it is wonderful to see everyone come together to celebrate the start of the festive season. We look forward to welcoming families and visitors alike to enjoy an unforgettable weekend, especially on Saturday where they will be able to witness a ‘White Christmas’ at Parkway.”

– Evie Ballard, Parkway Shopping

Following Saturday’s day of festivities, Sunday 17 November also sees the return of the Christmas Vegan Market, the second instalment of the event this year.

The Grand Finale: Christmas Lights Switch On

As the day draws to a close, all eyes will turn to the Market Place at 6pm for the official Christmas Lights Switch On, featuring Newbury’s Town Mayor and a very special surprise guest or two who will help illuminate the town in festive lights.

“Once again I am so pleased that Newbury BID are able to put on a spectacular day of events for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On. With all the challenges the cost of living crisis is throwing at consumers and businesses alike, it is essential for events like this to give us all a boost.”

– Warwick Heskins, Newbury BID Chair

The Afterparty: Denise Van Outen LIVE

A bumper day rounds out with the official Christmas Light Switch On Afterparty at Newbury Racecourse, from 7pm until midnight. The afterparty will see Denise Van Outen take to the decks at the Racecourse for a live DJ set, along with food, drinks and dancing. Tickets for the afterparty, priced from just £7, go on priority sale at 10am on Friday 20 September – to register for priority to guarantee access to tickets and for more information please visit www.newburyracecourse.co.uk/afterparty.

‘’We’re thrilled to support this year’s Christmas festivities and are excited to welcome Denise for what promises to be a fantastic celebration on Saturday 16th November. With tickets priced from just £7 we’re confident the afterparty will be popular with all those celebrating Christmas in Newbury and we’re looking forward to what’s sure to be a memorable evening.’’

– Shaun Hinds, CEO at Newbury Racecourse

Join the Celebration! 

Newbury BID is excited to invite everyone to join in the celebrations and Jingle All The Way to Newbury’s Christmas Magic on 16 November. For more information on all of the day’s activities, head over to the event page on our website and keep your eyes on the @VisitNewbury social media channels!

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