Swindon prepares for Christmas with markets, lights and festive events
Summarised from 4 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 13 Nov, 06:00 · Archive
Swindon is rolling out festive decorations and events, including a Christmas market and tree lights switch-on, as traders call for more attractions to draw people to the town centre.
Swindon is preparing for Christmas with a programme of decorations and festive events to revive the town centre. A Christmas tree, paid for by South Swindon Parish Council, will be installed outside the former Debenhams unit on The Parade on Wednesday, 18 November. Decorations are being installed across the town centre to create a more festive atmosphere.
A Christmas Jumper Jam event will take place on Saturday, 28 November, to mark the Christmas tree lights switch-on. The event will feature choirs singing carols and other celebrations. The first 100 attendees wearing Christmas jumpers will receive a free hot drink, and all attendees will receive a free raffle ticket with prizes including a family ticket to the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Wyvern Theatre.
Swindon Winter Fest, organised in collaboration with the Swindon Culture Collective, will feature a festive food market and a range of seasonal events. Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for culture, planning and regeneration, said the council is committed to creating festive fun for all ages, describing Christmas as coming to town.
The council's plans come after local traders expressed concerns about the town centre needing more festive attractions. Mel Hayes, manager of Coffee#1 on Canal Walk, called for more Christmas trees and lights, and questioned whether the council would bring back the Christmas sheds-style market. She said that without visible festive decorations, people choose to shop elsewhere. Malik Waseem, owner of My Phone on Regent Street, also called for more lights and suggested free parking during the early festive period to encourage shoppers into the town centre.
National Trust sites across Wiltshire are also hosting Christmas events. Avebury will feature a Christmas market running on Saturdays and Sundays from 28 November to 13 December, with local artisanal stalls, carols and festive music. Lacock Abbey's Great Hall will be decorated with traditional displays and miniature Christmas villages, while Mompesson House in Salisbury will present The Nutcracker story from 20 November to 22 December.
How it is being reported
- All the National Trust Christmas events in Swindon and WiltshireFrom illuminated gardens to festive storytelling, the National Trust is bringing Christmas magic to life across some of Wiltshire's most iconic sitesWiltshire Times · 13 Nov, 05:00
- All the National Trust Christmas events in Swindon and WiltshireFrom illuminated gardens to festive storytelling, the National Trust is bringing Christmas magic to life across some of Wiltshire's most iconic sitesSwindon Advertiser · 13 Nov, 05:00
- All the National Trust Christmas events in Swindon and WiltshireFrom illuminated gardens to festive storytelling, the National Trust is bringing Christmas magic to life across some of Wiltshire's most iconic sitesGazette & Herald · 13 Nov, 05:00
- All the National Trust Christmas events in Swindon and WiltshireFrom illuminated gardens to festive storytelling, the National Trust is bringing Christmas magic to life across some of Wiltshire's most iconic sitesThis Is Wiltshire · 13 Nov, 05:00
- Swindon traders call for more Christmas lights and markets to revive town centreSwindon businesses have stressed the importance of Christmas in brining people into the town centre.Swindon Advertiser · 12 Nov, 05:00
- Christmas market and lights switch-on revealed for Swindon town centreSwindon is gearing up for a season of festive fun.Swindon Advertiser · 12 Nov, 05:00
- All the Christmas lights switch-on events in Swindon and surrounding areasChristmas is just around the corner and communities across Swindon and the surrounding towns of High worth and, Royal Wootton Bassett, and villages such as Purton and Wroughton are preparing to light up for the festive season.Swindon Advertiser · 11 Nov, 11:49
In this story: Swindon · Swindon Borough Council · South Swindon Parish Council · National Trust · Avebury · Lacock · Mompesson House
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