Head down to Kettering’s Market Place this evening (Thursday December 1st) and join in the fun and games with the Hamilton’s, Dancing on Ice Star Danny Young and the rest of this year’s cast from Cinderella at the Lighthouse Theatre.
The fun begins at the Market Place from 5pm with the lights set to be switched on at 6.30pm. Keeping the crowds entertained host Connect FM's Gregg Nunney will be introducing live music and dance showcases to the stage. Refreshments to help keep out the cold will be available while Asda and Marks & Spencer will also be on the Market Place providing free tasters of their new Christmas ranges.
Alongside the BIG Switch On shoppers can also take part in Kettering’s first evening of late night shopping. Visitors to the Town Centre can find free parking from 4pm in London Road, School Lane, Wadcroft and Newlands Shopping Centre car parks. Free Parking from 4pm will also be in place for each Thursday late night shopping evening until Christmas.
Once in Kettering don’t forget to explore Market Street where shops and businesses have been working together to organise a week of street celebrations, resulting in a raffle giveaway of over £700 worth of goodies. For one week only from tonight shoppers will receive free entry ticket per £10 spent for this special raffle draw.
Kettering’s BIG Switch On:
- From 4.30pm festive stilt walkers, fire eaters and street entertainers.
- 5pm Gregg Nunney opens the show at the Market Place with Starlight Dance
- 5.30pm Voices Aloud perform some festive favourites
- 5.55pm K Factor Winner Kim Chamberlain performs
- 6pm Stars of Cinderella take to the stage to perform hits from their upcoming show
- 6.30pm The BIG Switch On
- 6.35pm Live music from Rock School a group of young musicians from Intersales Music
- 6.50pm A final song from the cast of Cinderella
All times are subject to change.
Valerie Hitchman, Head of Community Services at Kettering Borough Council said:
“We are delighted to be working with the Lighthouse Theatre to bring such big names to Kettering’s BIG Switch On. Don’t forget to support your local town centre and start your Christmas shopping with Kettering’s first late night shopping evening this year.”
Councillor Steve Bellamy, Portfolio Holder for Community and Culture said:
“I am delighted that this years Christmas programme is bigger than ever, and offers something to everyone. Every year we manage to attract household names to Kettering for our Big Switch On and this year is no different. Whether you want to see some of the stars of Cinderella or get in some early Christmas shopping, Christmas at Kettering has it all.”
Christine Hamilton, staring in Cinderella at the Lighthouse Theatre said:
“I'm so excited for the big switch on I can hardly wait! I think I was born to be a Fairy Godmother and I am so looking forward to sprinkling plenty of fairy dust and magic around the Market Place and, of course, at the Lighthouse Theatre.”
There are also a host of free fun festive activities lined up at Kettering’s Market Place throughout December. For the latest information about what’s on visit www.kettering.gov.uk/marketplace or follow us on Twitter @MarketPlaceKett
Kettering Manor House Museum and the Alfred East Art Gallery also have a range of exciting activities for all ages during November. For more information about what’s on at these venues please visit www.kettering.gov.uk
Notes to Editor
To attend Kettering’s BIG Switch On and for further information on Christmas activities happening on the Market Place contact media enquiries at Kettering Borough Council on 01536 534 260.
For further information on Market Street’s shopping extravaganza and their Christmas events over the week contact Sam Hutchings, Owner of Honeykitten on 01536 417 955.
Stars of Cinderella at the Lighthouse Theatre who will be taking park in Kettering’s BIG Switch On:
- Danny Young - Coronation Street & Dancing on Ice
- Christine Hamilton - The original British Battleaxe
- Neil Hamilton - Ex-politician
- Nicki French - Eurovison Queen
- Tony Howes- Northamptonshire's local star
- Millie Binks - Kettering's Winner of search for Cinderella
The Big Switch On is part of a full programme of events on Kettering’s Market Place to celebrate Christmas at Kettering. Still to come include:
- Special Performances from the cast of Cinderella at the Lighthouse Theatre
- Southfield School choir and Starlight dance – 3rd Decmber
- Community Singalong and Lantern Parade – 8th December
- Acoustic Band Show – 15th December
- Children’s Fair Rides – 17th - 23rd December
- Santa’s Grotto – 17th – 18th December
- Live music from The Strollers – 22nd December