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Christmas 2011 will build on the success of last year’s festivities, lighting up the city with entertainment and events, and bringing a sense of wonder to visitors and residents alike.
Introducing the festivities will be the Christmas lights switch-on at the Cross on 10 November which will feature a ‘Big Sing’ led by Matt Baker of Chester’s most famous choir - Handbag of Harmonies.
This year a fabulous classic market will make its home in the Town Hall Square where people can buy that perfect gift whilst enjoying festive refreshments such as mulled wine and chestnuts. Visitors and residents can congregate around the bandstand to enjoy Christmas songs and performances from local choirs and community groups.
Whooshing into the city centre will also be a spiral snow covered toboggan ride to be enjoyed by all, and young visitors will be thrilled with traditional rides and, of course, Santa’s grotto.
Cllr Stuart Parker, Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, is delighted that this year’s activities and events will be focused within the city walls and will bring shoppers in amongst the retail and leisure offer. Cllr Parker said: “This year’s focus is to support the commercial activity of the city so events will take place within the heart of the city. Last year we excited people with the big wheel but this year we wanted to create the excitement within the city walls.
“We are launching our programme now so we can begin promoting our Christmas offer to the region and beyond. Chester has so much to offer, and the addition of our quality shopping and wonderful events will give visitors, residents and retailers a Christmas experience to remember and return to.”
The partnership dedicated to bringing a fabulous festive offer celebrating our beautiful and historic city, is Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester Renaissance, Chester Festivals, Marketing Cheshire and Chester City Management.
Tracy Lynn of Chester Festivals, which brought us this summer’s Chestival, is preparing a stunning programme of theatrical delights. “I’m so excited about the Christmas we are planning,” she said. “We are going back to a traditional Christmas where light and music will lead visitors through our cobbled streets to buy their special gifts.
“Christmas shoppers can enjoy a lovely festive atmosphere and come across international street performers – such as those that can be seen at Covent Garden or Edinbugh – that will build on Chester’s own traditions of the Lantern and Winter Watch parades.”
A new and exciting event for Chester’s Classic Christmas will be the CES International Winter Challenge Rally - a trip down memory lane for car lovers. More than 30 vehicles dating from the 1930s to 1970s will parade through the streets, congregating at the Town Hall.
Organiser, Stephen Wundke of Chester City Management, believes this unique display will give pleasure to many. “This is a real boost to our Christmas offer, and is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face, whatever their age. What could be better than classic cars in a classic city for a classic Christmas?” he asks.
The Winter Challenge Rally will take place during the weekend of 19 and 20 November and will form part of the programme which will also support Thursday’s late night opening.
Steven Broomhead, Chair of Chester Renaissance, added: “It’s so important that we have a good Christmas offer. As a city we are thriving, but Christmas is such a key element in our calendar for retailers, hoteliers and the rest of our evening economy.
“We want to make sure visitors not only choose us as their first shopping destination, but that their experience brings them back again and again throughout the year.”
Programme highlights are given below and more information will be issued in the coming weeks.
