Plympton’s Christmas lights switch on and street market is back this year as a real in-person event which people can come along to and enjoy.
The volunteers at organisers Plym Chamber have been busy with the preparations and the lights are already up in place ready for the big switch on which this year will be on Monday November 29. Last year’s celebrations were rather different to the norm due to the national lockdown caused by the COVID pandemic.
The Ridgeway shopping centre was uncharacteristically quiet for the 2020 lights switch on which was streamed to people over the internet, along with a number of online performances from local musicians and entertainers. Although the streamed version last year was well received and achieved over 11,000 hits, Plym Chamber are looking forward this year to putting on something as near as is normal to what residents have become accustomed to in past years.
A spokesperson said:
“You can’t beat the atmosphere of an actual festive community gathering and this year’s may well be the best yet.”
After the difficult times everyone has experienced over the past 20 months the volunteers at Plym Chamber are planning something people will really enjoy and help lift the spirits in time for Christmas.
The list of participating traders and entertainers seems to be growing on an almost daily basis.
The Christmas outdoor market stalls will open at 3pm and things will be more spread out this year, with the Mudge Way car park by Iceland also being used for stalls. To facilitate this the car park will be closed from midnight the evening before.
As well as the visiting street traders, many of the shops and businesses on Ridgeway will have extended opening hours into the evening. In addition to the shopping opportunities there will be an action packed programme of entertainment suitable for the whole family which will start at 4pm.
This will include street entertainment and performances by youth choirs and local bands. Well-known local musician Tom Baker will be the compere for the event which will go on until 8pm.
The entertainment acts are regularly being added to and the final line up and specific performance times will be available on a dedicated #lightupplympton Facebook page. Simply search @ lightupplympton to find it. There is also a preview of some of the stalls which there will be this year – including some new to the event.
The main entertainment stage will be situated in Ridgeway but it is also hoped it may be possible to have a screen in the Mudge Way Car Park to enable people there to follow what is going on. Funfair rides will form part of the range of activities for children and the grand switch on of the Christmas lights will be performed at 6pm by Lord Mayor Councillor Terri Beer.
(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
