Thousands fill Winchester for Christmas lights switch-on (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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Thousands fill Winchester for Christmas lights switch-on
9:23am Friday 16th November 2012 in News
Thousands watch Winchester's Christmas lights get switched on
WINCHESTER was rocking last night with a chart-topping band to mark the Christmas lights switch-on.
At The Broadway, The Hoosiers entertained the crowds while the mayor, Cllr Frank Pearson, did the honours with the switch-on at 6pm. There was a slightly surreal feel to the event, as the mayor was flanked on either side by a giant panda and Widow Twankey.
It was arguably the strongest line-up the city has seen for the Christmas lights ceremony, with Steve Craddock and Andy Bennett of Ocean Colour Scene also performing. Local talent came in the form of Winchester University Choir and Intergr8 Dance.
Police officers and representatives of the fire and rescue service were also there to spread some emergency services-style Christmas cheer in the afternoon, wishing Wintonians a happy and safe Christmas and offering advice on crime prevention and safety.
The Hampshire Chronicle previously reported that councillors were banking on a bumper Christmas for the city's economy, and the thousands of people who attended the event seemed to confirm that.
Sam Fields, 31, an accountant of Chandler's Ford, was attending for the second year in a row. He said: “I'm surprised how many people there are here but it's just nice to see such a good mix of young people and older people getting in the spirit.”
Next Thursday (November 22) will see the start of the Christmas market and ice rink.
Comments(2)
campfreddie
says...
9:02pm Sat 17 Nov 12
steve_rainbird wrote:People attending the recent switching on of the lights could not hear The Hoosiers as the PA system was supplied by WinACC. This consisted of some recycled rolled up cardboard funnels held in front of the instruments which acted as "speakers". A spokesman from WinACC said " through using recycled cardboard tubes, instead of a proper PA system made us feel a lot more smug than usual."
Oh there was a band playing was there? The sound system was so bad you couldn't actually hear anything unless you were right next to the speakers.. Come on Winchester you can do better that that.
steve_rainbird says...
1:04pm Fri 16 Nov 12