WOODLEY will be transformed into a wonderful winter land this weekend with the Christmas lights switch on.
The colourful event gets a fabulous festive season off to a cracker of a start with the Christmas Extravaganza taking place the following week.
Over a thousand people turned out last year and organisers say they expect even more will attend next week’s fun-packed events.
The lights will be switched on at 4.30pm on Saturday November 24 by two talented pupils who won the competition to design a Christmas poster.
Jacques Lherbier, the Woodley Town Centre Manager, said: “Many local primary schools and their children participate each year. The two winners this year are Roxanne Allen, 8, from St Dominic Savio school who will turn on the red Town Centre Lights.
“Then Haleema Saeed, 11, from Highwood Primary school will switch on the white Tree of Light lights. The Tree of Light is a way to remember loved ones.
“For the past eight years, we have hosted on our Town Centre Christmas tree the Woodley & Earley Lions lights to help them raise money.
“The Lions have been a great partner for many years.
“This will be followed by Christmas Carols with hopefully may local residents joining in. There will be some mulled wine, minces pies and roasted chestnuts kindly donated by Waitrose and Lidl.
“The event has been growing in popularity during the past few years with over a thousand people attending. This year it will be located in the North end by the Centre Stage for the first time.
“The Event is free of course and all organised and paid for by the Woodley Town Centre Management Initiative.”
The Christmas Lights Switch On involves Woodley’s churches, Woodley Concert Band, Reading Operatic Society, JAC (Just Around the Corner) and the Lions.
Then, on the following Sunday, December 2, the Christmas Extravaganza will include a host of festive treats from the Town Mayor’s welcome to craft, trade and charity stalls to some jumping Christmas jazz sounds.
Of course, the arrival of Santa is always a highlight and this year the man in red along with his reindeer will take up residence at11.15am in his Magical Den.
Throughout the day circus entertainers will be patrolling the streets and Morris Dancers will be shaking their Christmas bells at a number of locations.
“The Extravaganza is the biggest event of the year,” added Jacques.
“We look forward to welcoming Santa and people from al over the area to both events. They are sure to be real Christmas crackers.”
For more visit: www.woodleytowncentre.co.uk/woodleyextravaganza.aspx
