Town prepares to get in the festive spirit

Aylsham will officially begin the festive season today (Friday, November 29) with the switch-on of the Christmas lights.

Stalls will be trading from 5pm to 9pm in the town hall, Market Place and Red Lion Street. The lights will be switched on by Santa at 6pm, before he heads to his grotto which will be open from 6.15pm. The grotto is situated in the Green Room at the back of the Town Hall, with access via The Loke, opposite Broadland Consultants.

There will be live performances from Alex Asher, who performed at the Round Table beer festival in July, and the Vocalights Choir.

Many of the local businesses will be open late on the night for visitors to pick up some Christmas shopping or other treats.

Donna Butcher, Events and Administration Officer at Aylsham Town Council, said: “It feels like no time at all that I was thanking everyone for attending last year’s Christmas lights switch-on event, and here we are looking forward to welcoming everyone again this year.

“There will lots going on to get you in the Christmas spirit, so come down and join us and enjoy the festivities.”

There will be road closures to allow the event to take place safely. Market Place and Red Lion Street will be closed from 2pm and Penfold Street from 4pm. All roads should be cleared and open by 10.30pm.

With Market Place and Red Lion Street closed, the bus stops will not be served after 2pm; the nearest stop will be Tesco on Norwich Road.

Parking will be available at the Buttlands and Burgh Road car parks. People will also be able to park at Bure Valley Railway, but this will be locked at 9.30pm and not re-open until 8.30am on Saturday.

FESTIVE FUN: A scene from last year’s Christmas lights switch-on event. Picture: IAN GRAVENELL